Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has expressed concern over the Government’s silence on the repair of courthouses damaged by Hurricane Melissa, arguing that the judiciary’s role as a co-equal arm of government must be reflected in the way court infrastructure is treated. Pointing to the destruction of the Black River courthouse and ongoing disruptions in Westmoreland and other western parishes, Sykes renewed his call for the judiciary to be given greater control of its capital budget so it can better plan and respond to urgent infrastructural needs, while ensuring continued access to justice.

Chief justice renews call for greater judicial control over capital budget

Jamaica Gleaner/6 Jan 2026/Tanesha Mundle/staff Reporter

CHIEF JUSTICE Bryan Sykes has renewed calls for the judiciary to be given control of its capital budget, while questioning the Government’s silence on repairs to courthouses damaged by Hurricane Melissa.

“The time has now come for us to be given greater control over the capital budget, and this is really in keeping with what I was told some time ago,” Sykes said as he addressed the swearing-in of judicial officers at King’s House in St Andrew yesterday.

He noted that while legislation allows the Court Administration Division to handle maintenance and the ministry to oversee major capital works, the current arrangement has left courts vulnerable, particularly after the widespread damage caused by the hurricane late last year.

“In all the discussions about rebuilding bigger, better and more resilient, not one word has been said about the courthouse in Black River or other courts, as if to suggest it is not a matter of great importance,” Sykes said. “It is said that we are a co-equal arm of government, but it needs to be reflected in reality.”

The chief justice added that he could not think of one court, apart from the relatively new Court of Appeal facility, that the minister and permanent secretary would readily occupy.

COURT BUILDINGS DAMAGED

Hurricane Melissa severely affected court facilities in the western parishes, including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and St James. In St Elizabeth, the Black River courthouse was completely demolished and will require a new building, while roof damage in Westmoreland rendered the parish court unusable, forcing Circuit Court matters to be transferred to neighbouring Hanover. The Family Court in Westmoreland also remains out of operation due to hurricane-related damage.

Despite the disruption, Sykes praised judges, court staff and court operations managers for restoring services in the shortest possible time, noting that judges in St Elizabeth are currently sharing facili

ties in Santa Cruz and

Balaclava to ensure continued access to justice.

However, in light of these challenges and the current poor state of the nation’s courts, Sykes again raised concerns about the judiciary’s limited control over infrastructure spending. He argued that temporary accommodations often become permanent, and that judges are routinely required to work in conditions unfit for long-term service.

Based on discussions when the idea was being considered for the courts to have greater autonomy over their budget, the judiciary would prepare its own budget, procurement, and operations plan without ministry input.

According to him, the judiciary is disadvantaged by not being in control, pointing to the justice ministry’s refusal to provide solar panels and generators, and indicating that only one was needed.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, however, had pushed back on Sykes’ call for the judiciary to control its capital budget, saying funds for projects are very limited, when the call was made in September 2024.

“If there was adequate money and no competition with other priorities like hospitals, prisons, or schools, there would not be a problem. But resources are limited, and I’m not sure this is what the judiciary should be engaged in,” Chuck had told The Gleaner.

He noted at the time that the Court Administration Division was set up to manage court maintenance, while the ministry handles special projects and new court construction. Chuck had added that several courts, including the Court of Appeal, Spanish Town Court, and the new Family Court in St Ann, had been upgraded, and that discussions were ongoing with Sykes and then Minister of Finance Dr Nigel Clarke to explore building courts through public-private partnerships.

Meanwhile, the chief justice highlighted progress in addressing case backlogs, pointing to the Traffic Court, which he said is on track to become backlog-free for the first time in decades. He noted that parish courts have maintained a net backlog of under three per cent, despite tighter time standards and the impact of the hurricane.

Sykes also said several courts and court entities, including the Court of Appeal, the High Court Division of the Gun Court, the St Thomas Parish Court, and the Court Administration Division, are expected to achieve ISO certification this year in 12 weeks, signalling a commitment to establishing and maintaining minimum service standards, accountability, and improved service delivery.

CHALLENGING YEAR

Meanwhile, Court of Appeal President Marva Mcdonald-bishop described 2025 as a challenging year for the judiciary and the wider nation, particularly due to the effects of Hurricane Melissa, but urged optimism and resilience going forward.

She congratulated those judicial officers recently appointed to act in higher offices, noting that their elevation reflected merit, work ethic, and commitment to the administration of justice, while stressing that judicial appointment should be seen as part of a process of continuous learning and development.

Mcdonald-bishop encouraged judges to embrace judicial humility, urging them to see themselves as “learning judges” rather than “learned judges”, and to remain open to guidance, collaboration, and self-improvement throughout their careers.

“Judicial humility does not diminish the authority of the bench; it elevates it,” she said, adding that such an approach is essential to maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

Justices Lorna Shelley-williams and Carolyn Tie-powell were sworn in to act as judges of the Court of Appeal from January 12 to March 27. Parish judges Kamar Henry-Anderson and Chester Crooks were appointed to act as puisne judges and masters from January 7 to March 27, while Christine Mcneil and Yvette Wentworth Miller were sworn in to act as masters in chambers over the same period.

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