Lawyers in Westmoreland raise concern about state of parish courthouse and impact on cases

Lawyers in Westmoreland have raised concern about the state of the parish courthouse and the impact its having on cases, to include delays and added expenses.

They are calling on the Government to restore the building which remains in a poor state in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement the lawyers noted that the situation is now a matter of access to justice and public confidence in the administration of justice.

Member of the Westmoreland Bar Association Lambert Johnson noted that the building has become uninhabitable.

With the parish court operating out of the courthouse in Whithorn, this has resulted in overcrowding, overtime and a growing backlog.

Johnson added that Circuit Court matters are heard in neighbouring Hanover, which adversely impacts lawyers and jurors who have to travel out of parish.