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More security for Magistrate’s Court?
Issues surrounding the management of the Magistrate’s Court where Senior Magistrate Tamia N. Richards presides continue to bug the minds of persons accessing the facility. With the newest development, which prevents anyone from outside the compound seeing what is taking place inside the court yard or vice versa, one resident assumed, “Something is going on and the public is being kept in the dark.”
The resident said he finds it difficult to understand the extent of security at the Magistrate’s Court when compared to the High Court. “To my mind I feel it is the High Court, if any at all, needs these kinds of security.”
Reporters coming under pressure?
But reporters who frequent the facility have also raised concerns especially as it may appear that they would soon be barred from entering the compound with any electronic devices, including their cameras, a main tool in executing their duties as reporters.
Reporters cannot enter into the courtroom with any recording device, including cameras and cell phones, which they now have to leave in their vehicles parked some distance away from the court.
Back in March 16, 2015 the topic was about the sudden restricted parking rules in the fenced space of the court. Many persons, including reporters, had tried to gain entrance to the court yard with their vehicles but were told that parking in the compound was no longer permitted. This was told to a reporter of this news site as well.
Recently, security gates were affixed at the entrance of the courtyard and persons attempting to gain entry with their vehicles are now required to seek permission by stating their business through an intercom system.
Many persons, however, were not comfortable with having to wait in the hot sun and began asking questions. “Is the Magistrate’s Court attempting to frustrate the public, including reporters, especially when it comes to capturing the photos of alleged criminals to have them exposed to the public?” This is one of the questions asked back then and lingers still.
Since these new developments, persons entering the courtroom are also now being extensively searched.
As it relates to the erecting of plywood sheets around the Magistrate’s Court, Ms Eunice Crawford, the Court Manager, could not be reached for comment.
Virgin Islands News Online has since been informed by a source in government that a new fence is being built, hence the plywood screens.
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11 Responses to “More security for Magistrate’s Court?”
Why oh do people complain for everything?
So you all really think its a plywood fence? Da mek sense!!!!!
The fencing is being fixed ppl....struuuppoes.
There is a poster that has info as to what a person going to the facility should wear but it is inside the building. Why not post one outside so people can view it prior to entering and being told that they do not meet the requirements.
Recently I visited the court on behalf of a friend and was rudely told by a police officer "your dress too short and your slippers cannot go in". They like to show themselves when they have on the Government clothes. No common courtesy offered, then when police week comes around they appealing to the public to work with them.