Next time you see a person at the lotto in Trinidad and Tobago, chances are the person isn’t selecting numbers that could land them the big prizes and end their financial worries or paying utility bills.

Now, the judiciary is making it easier for people to pay court fines and fees at lotto booths across the country.

In a statement, the judiciary said there will be two different CourtPay vouchers, one for maintenance and the other for fines and fees.

“These vouchers offer customers a cash payment option for court-ordered maintenance, fines and fees. For maintenance, it is the first step towards addressing delays in payments which customers have been encountering,” the statement said.  The Judiciary added that it is “extremely pleased” by this new development.

The statement noted that for fines and fees, this creates another way to pay: people can either pay online using a credit card or chip-enabled debit card or buy a CourtPay fines and fees voucher at any lotto booth, then use it to pay online via the CourtPay portal.

It added that those without internet access can visit any court or virtual access customer centre to use the Judiciary’s public kiosks.

Also, it said, those with traffic tickets issued before May 26, 2020, who are yet to pay will only pay 50 per cent of their ticket if a payment is made by July 31.

The statement said outstanding mask and/or safe zone fines (Public Health fixed penalties) issued before May 1, must be paid by July 31. “Non-payment of these fines by the above-mentioned dates can result in heavier penalties,” it added.

-CMC-