Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry yesterday issued a call for better security in the courtrooms and the compound of the current Georgetown Magistrates’ Court complex.
The Chief Magistrate said that she intends to lodge an official complaint with the acting Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell about the quality of security measures available at the court, which is being housed at the former Globe Trust offices on Middle Street.
She explained in open court that her concern comes after observing on quite a few occasions members of the public interacting with the prisoners as they leave the courtrooms and the compound and while they are in the holding area awaiting transport to prison.
This practice, she stated, gives rise to the possibility of items such as a gun or anything to use on occupants of the court being easily slipped to the prisoners, endangering the safety of everyone.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry warned that such a serious situation is one that everyone ought to be conscious of, while noting the fact that the police officers stationed at the holding area below the court are “not always vigilant.” She said further that the court is not the place to meet and greet prisoners. Relatives and, in general, all members of the public have the opportunity to do so at the prison, she added.
