Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) chairman Shankar Bidaisee conducted a joint inspection of the San Fernando Supreme Court building on November 13. This visit comes after months of public disputes between Udecott and the Judiciary regarding the escalating costs, scope modifications, and accountability for delays in the renovation project. The courthouse, which has been closed since 2020, remains inactive as both parties await Cabinet approval for a revised restoration plan. Initially estimated at $12.8 million, the project’s budget has surged to $22.1 million, with construction halted after Udecott terminated the previous contractor in July. During the tour, technical teams briefed Boodoosingh and Bidaisee on the current status of the works and the necessary steps to resume procurement. Udecott has emphasized the need for reconfirmation of the project’s scope and funding from the Judiciary before re-tendering can begin. The agency warns that without these approvals, no completion date can be projected, estimating that the process will take at least a year, potentially delaying the reopening until late 2026. The Judiciary attributes the delays primarily to contractor under-performance, while Udecott points to extensive variation requests—such as termite treatment, ICT room redesigns, and bathroom and security upgrades—that expanded beyond the original mandate. These requests were made during the tenure of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie. The prolonged closure has forced the relocation of all San Fernando legal matters to the Princes Town Judicial Centre, causing significant disruptions for attorneys and litigants in the southern district. Legal professionals have repeatedly called for the restoration of in-person hearings, arguing that the delays infringe upon the public’s constitutional right to timely justice.