Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre conducted a site visit to the Halls of Justice Project on Thursday, November 20, to assess the construction progress as the December 1 election approaches. The project, a flagship initiative of the current administration, is being developed under a Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and Themis LTD, a subsidiary of NH International. With a fixed project cost of EC$143 million, Themis LTD is fully financing the construction, including office furniture, filing systems, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Upon completion, the government will lease the facilities for up to 12 years before ownership is transferred to the people of Saint Lucia.
During the visit, Prime Minister Pierre expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, particularly noting the diverse workforce comprising individuals from CARICOM nations. He emphasized the significance of the centralized facility, which will serve as the official home of the judiciary in Saint Lucia. Pierre highlighted the current challenges faced by the judiciary, including inadequate court facilities and structural issues, and underscored the importance of consolidating all legal and judicial operations under one roof.
The Prime Minister also praised the innovative investment model employed for the project, contrasting it with traditional state department housing agreements. He explained that the lease structure ensures the country will eventually gain full ownership of the property, making it a sustainable investment for Saint Lucia. Pierre emphasized that this approach avoids perpetual rental payments and instead provides long-term benefits to the nation.
Civil engineer John Peters, the project director, provided an update on the construction progress. He reported that the ground floor of the annexe building, which will house criminal courts, has been completed. Work on the foundation of the main building, intended for commercial, family, and civil courts, is progressing well, with hopes of reaching the first or second floor by year-end. Despite weather-related challenges, Peters expressed confidence in meeting the two-year completion timeline.