Ash deposits from La Soufriere volcano forced the closure of Barbados’ Supreme Court Complex for at least three days and some matters scheduled to be heard in the lower courts were postponed or will have to be done virtually.
A release from registrar Barbara Cooke-Alleyne said since the ash can have a negative impact on the central air system of the building on Whitepark, St Michael, it is important to monitor that but also “maintain a clean, properly functioning ventilation and air conditioning system for all the occupants of the building”.
“As a result, it is recommended that the Supreme Court Complex be closed for at least three days. During this time, the technicians and the scientists will be working together to ensure that the ventilation and air-conditioning systems are analysed to determine the impact of the ash particles on the system and recommend what actions are required to clean it,” the release said.
“The indoor air will also be monitored to ensure that respirable particles of ash will not negatively impact the health of the occupants of the Supreme Court Complex.”
Changes to the protocols for entering the building will be announced, but in the meantime, all matters listed for the Court of Appeal on Thursday and Friday will now be heard via Zoom.
In the High Court, bail applications from prison, status hearings from prison, sentencing from prison, maximum sentence indication and mention will be heard via Zoom.
Additionally:
Criminal Court No. 3
Matters set for April 12 are adjourned to April 19.
All matters listed for April 13 are adjourned to April 23 unless otherwise ordered.
Criminal Courts Nos. 2, 4, 5 and 5A
All matters set for April 12-14 will be heard remotely on April 15.
Matters set for April 15 and 16 will be heard as previously set.
Civil Division
Matters will be heard remotely from Monday, April 12 and then as directed by the Judge.
In the Magistrates’ Courts, new charge sheets and protection orders will be heard.
Matters in the Coroner’s Court will be done via teleconference and those in Juvenile Court District A scheduled for Friday will be adjourned until April 23.
In the Registrar’s Court, matters set down for April 13 will be adjourned to April 27 and May 4 and those for April 14 and 15 will be adjourned to April 23.
The registration of births and marriages and notarial services will resume from Thursday April 15 unless otherwise directed by the Registrar and the registration of Deaths can be submitted via email. (PR/SAT)
