Zuleika Jess presses Government on Westmoreland court crisis

Zuleika Jess, MP, used her 2026 Sectoral Debate contribution to accuse the Government of failing Westmoreland residents after the parish court was said to be unable to accommodate circuit matters.

Addressing Madam Speaker, Jess challenged the minister’s explanation that fixing the building would be too expensive. She argued that the position marked a reversal, saying the administration had previously indicated that funds were available for repairs before later saying the facility could not be restored.

Jess said the change in position left the minister’s assurances without credibility. In her view, the issue showed delay and poor management rather than proper governance, while residents in need of justice were being left to carry the consequences.

Because of the condition of the Westmoreland Parish Court, she said ordinary citizens must now leave the parish and travel into Hanover to attend circuit court in Lucea. Jess described that requirement as a heavy financial strain on Westmoreland, especially for jurors, litigants and attorneys who must pay for transport and meals while making the journey repeatedly.

She said the absence of a functioning circuit court option in Westmoreland had made access to justice more difficult for people in the parish. Jess told Parliament that the right to a fair trial should not become a long, costly test of endurance, and said the matter would continue to be raised until what she called the justice crisis in western Jamaica is addressed.