Nassau, Bahamas -- The Nassau Street Court Complex is 75-80 per cent completed and is expected to be occupied within six months’ time.

Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon Neko C Grant along with Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs and other Ministry officials led a tour of the state-of-the-art court complex on Thursday, September 9.

“Since the inception of the project we have had our challenges,” said Mr Grant. “The first challenge to the contractor was to make good of the defective work that he found. I am pleased that he has been able to do that and is progressing.”

Mr Grant explained that vagrants occupied the interior of the building when the present contractor took possession of it. He said the building was used as a bathroom and required a “massive” clean up.

“We were hoping that we would have been able to occupy the building before the end of this year. Regrettably, it would appear that we will not be able to occupy it until the first quarter of next year,” he said.

Mr Grant extended apologies to the public for the “unacceptable” conditions of the present courts. “We know that once the courts are finished, the magistrates and other court officials as well as the public would be pleased with the finished product.”

Work to be finished includes parking spaces for magistrates, police officers and the public, completion of cell- blocks and interior finishing and approval of a security and surveillance system.

The complex will comprise 12 courts with six on the ground floor, four on the second floor and two in what is referred to as the attic.

The facility will include state of the art technology, working areas for court reporters, a lounge for magistrates and a library. The complex will be equipped with a modern fire and surveillance system, a reception bay and a secure prisoner’s holding area. A police station will also be at the rear of the building.

Court meeting

Public Works and Transport Minister the Hon Neko C Grant (4th from left), Permanent Secretary Colin Higgs (3rd from left) and Ministry officials meet with representatives of Adler Construction Company, the contractor for the Nassau Street Magistrates Court Complex on September 9. (BIS photo/Letisha Henderson)