St Thomas parish court offering reduced services due to COVID-19

The St Thomas Parish Court will be offering reduced services to the public due to the COVID-19 situation in the parish.

The decision was taken to protect the health and well-being of staff and members of the public.

The changes take effect on Friday, August 21.

As a result of the reduced services, the parish court will only be hearing emergency matters.

Emergency matters are classified as:

* Matters under the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to cash detention and seizures.
* Matters under the Financial Investigations Divisions Act.
* Matters under the Interception of Communications Act.
* Matters under the Mutual Assistance (Criminal Matters) Act.
* Matters under the Terrorism Prevention Act.
* Matters involving residential security.
* Matters involving custody of children whether or not implicating The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
* Matters that are time sensitive such as the expiration of limitation period.

Any emergency or matter deemed fit for hearing by the judge will be heard by telephone, video conferencing, or by other electronic means between the 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m.

Additionally, habeas corpus applications will be transferred to the Supreme Court in Kingston during the period of reduced services.

Normal operations at the St Thomas Parish Court are expected to resume on Monday, September 07.

“COVID-19 remains a threat to public health and now is not the time for us to become complacent. We must, therefore, redouble our efforts to prevent the spread of the virus by adhering to the COVID-19 protocols including wearing a mask and practising proper hygiene,” said Chief Justice Bryan Sykes in a statement.

How to get help

Persons who had matters scheduled during the period of reduced services and those who need to access the St Thomas Parish Court for emergencies are asked to contact the court at 876-982-1711 or 876-613-8293 for further information.

Persons may also visit www.cad.gov.jm and www.parishcourt.gov.jm for information.

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