A contract has been signed to construct the $172.7-million Hanover Justice Centre which will serve as a model for the buildout of a network of these centres islandwide.

The contract for the centre was signed on Friday, October 4, at the Justice Ministry’s Constant Spring Road office in Kingston.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, said the centre is the first such dedicated facility and is intended to administer justice services in settling disputes.

“We do have Justice centres in all 14 parishes, but they are not really what we want. We have used [miscellaneous spaces] to put up justice centres but, eventually, we want some model justice centres,” he said.

Chuck said the facility is a critical aspect of the governance structure.

“Justice as a commodity is as important as health, education or any other [social structure] because without justice, we won’t have peace. We intend that access to justice should be easy and that when you get access to justice, that justice should be delivered in a timely manner.

“It is not only getting justice in the courts; it is also in simple disagreements we are hoping that citizens will make use of these justice centres and services that these justice centres will be able to offer,” he added.

The 6,825.7 sq ft building, which is to be established in Sandy Bay, Hanover, will be outfitted with office spaces for the Ministry of Justice’s social justice services, including Child Diversion and Restorative Justice. Office spaces will also be provided for the Custos and for Mediation. It will also facilitate disability access.

Work is scheduled to be completed in September 2025.