Derrick Kellier (seated left), Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for South St. James, signs a contract for the construction of a new courthouse and police station in Cambridge, St. James, while George Gordon (second left, seated), of GM and Associates, gets ready to stamp the contract, which has been awarded to his company to carry out the work. Also looking on are Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson (second right) and Daniel Evans (right). In back row are Carol Palmer, Permanent Secretary in the Justice Ministry, and Whilston Taylor, of the Ministry of National Security. - Photo by Noel Thompson

Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A move by the Justice Ministry to construct a new $57 million police station and courthouse in Cambridge, St. James, has been welcomed by the community, the judiciary and the police.

In welcoming the move, Senior Resident Magistrate for St. James, Winsome Henry, noted that, since the closure of the courthouse, residents had to travel to Montego Bay to have their cases heard.

"I am happy that they are going to build a new structure because there are some places where we (the judiciary and the police) need to go to the people instead of the people coming to us," said Henry.

"A lot of people are of limited means, and they have to incur costs to travel far distance, so it is good that we can come to the people."

On Wednesday, Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson and Derrick Kellier, Minister of Labour and Social Security and incumbent Member of Parliament for South St. James, broke ground at the site, which housed the old police station and courthouse, for the construction of the new facilities.

Station on rented premises

The Cambridge Police Station had to be relocated three years ago to rented premises, due to its dilapidated condition.

Work is expected to commence over the nextseven to 14 days, and should be completed within eight months.

Colin Hyatt, a resident in Cambridge, said he believed the Government had made the right decision in erecting a new structure.

"I think it is good and the community will be better served," he said. "With the police station relocating in the centre of the district; they should be better able to control and prevent crimes."

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area One, Clifford Blake, described the ministry's decision as an important one for providing the police with new and better working facilities.

noel.thompson@gleanerjm.com