Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

A fireman walks away from the Morant Bay Courthouse which was gutted by fire early yesterday morning. This was the second time in just under two and a half years that the historic St. Thomas landmark was being damaged by fire, the first being in October 2004. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Up to late yesterday, the Minister of Justice was still trying to find a suitable location for the sitting of the Circuit Court in St. Thomas, after the historical Morant Bay courthouse was gutted by fire early Monday morning.

Michael Cohen, public relations officer at the Ministry of Justice, said yesterday that Minister of Justice A.J. Nicholson and the Permanent Secretary, Carol Palmer, were locked in a meeting trying to decide on a venue for the circuit session which is scheduled for March 12.

Temporary locations

In the meantime, Mr. Cohen said that the Cedar Valley and Yallahs courthouses in the parish had been identified as temporary locations for the hosting of the Resident Magistrate Court sessions.

"Cases are being referred to these courthouses, but the Ministry of Justice is trying to find a location for the circuit session," said Mr. Cohen.

Last year, land was acquired in Morant Bay for the construction of a new courthouse in St. Thomas.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Morant Bay Joan Spencer was concerned as to where parish council meetings that were usually held at the courthouse would be held.

"Currently, we are paying rent for the building which we are using. So we can't afford to rent somewhere for an additional cost," said the mayor.

A building on the compound of the St. Thomas Infirmary is being considered as a temporary meeting place of the council.

In October 2004, fire also damaged a section of the Morant Bay Courthouse which is made of concrete, shingles and board. Subsequently, the administrative unit of the parish council was relocated to another building in the parish capital.

Yesterday, 15 firefighters and two fire units, one each from the Yallahs and Morant Bay stations, worked assiduously to extinguish the blaze that lasted for about six hours.

Firemen's late arrival

Some residents are, however, still baffled as to why the fire department or the police, which are based close to the courthouse, did not arrive at the historical building before it was consumed by the fire.

Superintendent Clinton Samuels of the St. Thomas Fire Department, said that based on his experience of dealing with fires, the courthouse might have been burning for about 45 minutes to an hour before their arrival. But, he said, they received the call regarding the fire at the courthouse at 3:20 a.m., and responded promptly.

"On arrival, the entire building was under fire," said Supt. Samuels.

The origin of the fire which is reportedly due to an electrical short, left only the concrete portions of the building standing, along with Edna Manley's statue of National Hero Paul Bogle.

Damage is estimated at $11 million. Documents that were inside the building were reportedly saved.