WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Members of the legal fraternity in Westmoreland have expressed deep concern over reports that the Government is reconsidering plans for the repair and restoration of the Westmoreland Parish Court.

In a press release on Friday, a group of practicing attorneys in the parish noted that since Hurricane Melissa in October of last year, Circuit Court matters have been displaced to Hanover, while the Westmoreland Parish Court operates from inadequate facilities in Whithorn.

“This is no longer a matter of inconvenience. It is a matter of access to justice and public confidence in the administration of justice,” the release stated. “Courtrooms are overcrowded, space is insufficient for the volume and complexity of Court matters and sittings frequently continue late to 9:00 pm and later for some court workers.”