The judiciary addresses temporary disruption at the westmoreland parish court

PRESS RELEASE April 20, 2026 Contact : Mrs. Kadiesh Jarrett - Fletcher Director, Client Services, Communications, & Information Court Administration Division Email : [email protected] Website : www.cad.gov.jm _____________________________________________________________________ T HE JUDICIARY ADDRESSES TEMPORARY DISRUPTION AT THE WESTMORELAND PARISH COURT WESTMORELAND : Jamaica: The Judiciary of Jamaica wishes to advise the public that there has been a temporary disruption in operations at the Westmoreland Parish Court. This disruption arises in the aftermath of the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has adversely affected the court’s infrastructure and overall working conditions. While court sessions continue to be facilitated at the Whithorn Outstation, certain administ rative operations have been impacted. Director of Client Services, Communications and Information, Mrs. Kadiesh Jarrett - Fletcher, stated: “The Judiciary acknowledges the challenges currently being experienced and wishes to assure the public that the welfare and safety of staff remain a priority. Active steps are being taken, in collaboration with our partners , to address these challenges and to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.” She further noted: “We remain committed to maintaining access to justice and are working assiduously to minimise disruptions. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all court users during this period.” As a result, there may be some delays in the processing of matters and the delivery of certain administrative services. Members of the public, attorneys - at - law, and other stakeholders are encouraged to remain guided by subsequent updates regarding the full resumption of normal operations. Notably, the Court Administration Division ( CAD ) is currently undertaking work at the Parish Court to implement container - based facilities pending a decision from the Ministry of Justice on a permanent home for the Parish Court . Discussions are ongoing in this regard, the most recent of such discussions being on April 15, 2026 .

2 | The Judiciary regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for its continued patience and understanding. - 30 - For further information, you may contact the Director for Client Services, Communications, & Information Division at the Court Administration Division.