The HoJ will comprise two separate buildings on either side of Laborie Street Castries, joined together by an overpass which will be atop the street.

The HoJ will be built upon the site of the now-decommissioned courthouse and Ministry of Education building. The old courthouse will accommodate the civil and family divisions, while the former Education building will house the criminal division. The Prime Minister also announced the addition of a Law Library for law students and academics.

Prime Minister Pierre lamented the lack of a courthouse for judicial services. He says the different divisions of the Court had to be spread across Castries.

“Today, our courts are scattered across the City, being rented largely by private landlords and facilities that are not built for purpose. The Criminal Court operates at the Nyerah Court building, we have the Civil and Commercial High Court operating out of La Place Carenage, which is a duty free shopping center. We have the Family Court on Peynier Street, in rented properties. None of these buildings have been built for purpose,” Pierre noted.

The Prime Minister says the government recognises the technical nature of courthouses and the new HoJ will meet these specifications.

“Law courts are highly specialised buildings. They require secure parking areas for judges and staff, they require secure areas for the conveyance and handling of prisoners. There must be separate areas for judges, staff, the public and prisoners. The courtrooms must be designed so they can feel welcoming but secure at the same time…there must be separate waiting areas to handle family court matters. This building will deliver all of this.”

The structures will cost $143 million, invested directly by the contractor, NH International Ltd. The government will lease the HoJ from the contractor for 12 years, after which it will be solely owned by the government of Saint Lucia.

According to the Prime Minister, the construction has not cost the government a penny.