Nassau, The Bahamas – Criminal and civil court renovations are to begin in seven to 10 days to organise the justice system in a central location at the Bank Lane and East Street area. The completed work will result in a total of nine new criminal and civil courts, which should be finished within 42 weeks.
On September 1, the Ministry of Works and the Office of the Attorney General signed a $2.3 million renovation contract with Sunco Builders at the Ministry of Works conference room on JFK Drive.
The award will cover renovation costs of the ground floor of the Ansbacher building to accommodate two courts for the Supreme Court, Judges’ Chambers, a Jury Room and ancillary accommodations.
“The works is expected to be executed to include removing and rebuilding interior partitions, ceilings, flooring, and washrooms, refurbishing windows and the installation of new electrical panels and an air conditioning system to service the ground floor,” said Neko Grant, the Minister of Public Works and Transport.
“Public access to these courtrooms will be provided through two new entrances to the building on the ground floor only from Bank Lane. These entrances will be designed to accommodate security screening equipment,” he said.
The Government recently bought the Ansbacher building.
“You have been aware that this project has been divided into three parts, with first part having commenced two months ago with the restoration of the Hansard building to provide one criminal court,” said Mr. Grant.
“Other works to be undertaken as components of the first part of this project are the extension and refurbishment of the Supreme Court building to provide three criminal courts. The refurbishment of the Senate building to provide another criminal court and refurbishment of the Bank Lane Magistrate’s court to provide for four civil courts.”
Sunco will execute the architectural plans prepared by architect John Canton that was presented to the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Tourism for the Downtown Redevelopment Project during the summer of 2009.
“As always we expect high quality work and on time completions,” said Mr. Grant.
Photo Description: Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon. Neko Grant, along with Attorney General Senator the Hon. John Delaney and executives of SUNCO Builders & Developers Ltd., on Wednesday, Sept. 1 signed a contract for (ground floor) renovations to the Ansbacher Building for Supreme Court accommodations. The signing took place at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel
