The judicial operations at the Magistrates’ Court situated on High Street in St. John’s, Antigua, are undergoing a temporary suspension to facilitate critical building enhancements. This necessary closure forms part of a coordinated initiative by the national judiciary to modernize its facilities and ensure the long-term structural integrity of its premises.
Court administrators have confirmed the shutdown will enable contractors to execute comprehensive maintenance work, which includes upgrades to electrical systems, improvements to public accessibility, and essential repairs to the historic building’s infrastructure. The project aims to create a safer, more efficient, and modernized environment for both court staff and the public once operations resume.
During this interim period, all scheduled court matters traditionally heard at the High Street location are being systematically relocated to alternative courtrooms within the jurisdiction. The Office of the Magistrate has issued clear directives for attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and jurors to verify their new assigned venues through official court communications channels to avoid any disruptions to their legal proceedings.
The judiciary emphasizes that these infrastructural improvements, while causing temporary inconvenience, are a vital investment in the nation’s legal framework. The enhancements are expected to significantly improve service delivery, case management efficiency, and public access to justice upon the court’s reopening, which is projected to occur upon completion of the mandated works.