Carapo, St Joseph, and Pan Trinbago headquarters in the vicinity of Orange Grove, are being touted as three possible alternatives for the construction of the proposed multipurpose Trincity Family and Youth Court after residents vehemently opposed its construction near Republic Bank, Trincity.
The residents proffered these alternative sites while expressing their views at the third community consultation at Bishop Anstey East/Trincity College East Auditorium, College Avenue, Trincity, on February 2.Among those present were Justice Minister Christlyn Moore, moderator Denise Demming, Home Construction Ltd's Arnim Cozier, assistant manager Family Court Eleanor Sammy-Rique and director Special Projects, Ministry of Justice Louis Nurse.
Cozier spoke about the development plan for Trincity and Nurse addressed issues like the imminent construction of the Trincity Family and Youth Court, flood and traffic management. Also present was Member of Parliament for Arouca/Maloney Alicia Hospedales, who said the residents were opposed to the court.
When the floor was open, residents said they were not averse to the family court but offered reasons for their angst, including poor drainage, feral youth, flooding, traffic, loss of personal enjoyment of their homes, noise pollution and disrespectful children.
A female resident said, "We welcome the development. It is the longest pilot project. It is a very good court. I am more fearful of burglaries when Cepep workers are working than these youthful offenders. These youthful offenders should be referred to the social services. Build it on the Pan Trinbago side, not near to Republic Bank.
"Don't believe anyone is against the family court. It is a good idea. But it is not perfect. But I look forward to the court. Build it over the highway." A gentleman added, "Carapo wants a family court. We want a police post instituted."Among the other contributors were Cherry Macmillan, who lamented the traffic. On the other hand, Caruth Godson said the court should be built because "flooding was an act of God." Martin Richards described it as a "laudable endeavour" but noted there were challenges.
Three stories high, similar to Republic Bank
In their presentations, both Cozier and Nurse spoke about features of the family court like assisting with investigative reports, retaining a psychiatrist to dictate outcome, and a medicine unit. It would include a children's waiting room targeted at children three months to ten years. Well-trained specialised officers would provide basic counselling services. Art and craft, puzzles and computer services would be encouraged.
Nurse said, "It would be three stories high. It's the same height with Republic Bank. It would be a family experience. It would be integrated into the community of Trincity. It would be built on 4.5 acres."Asked about the cost, Nurse added, "Until a design is accepted, we would not have the final figure. It was dependent on "design, finance, construct."
1,000 residents sign petition against court
Hospedales made reference to the time when St Joseph MP and former justice minister Herbert Volney said a gun and kidnapping court would be erected at Trincity."There was considerable objection (to that plan)."There is a perception of fear. People are afraid their quiet lifestyle would be disrupted. Don't try to convince us. Listen to the people."
In her closing remarks, Hospedales said over 1,000 residents signed a petition to build it elsewhere. "We don't want the court in Trincity. Take it elsewhere. Not to Republic Bank." Resident Woldron E Louison said the court should be relocated to St Joseph.
Asked about the court, Moore said, "It is one of two in the entire country. It is not a new phenomena in the Caribbean, Europe and North America. There are various models like family youth courts to modernise courts and deliver services. It is the judiciary that says how many courts. It is a decision made by the Chief Justice (Ivor Archie). There is the need to revisit magisterial boundaries for courts."
In her closing remarks, Moore gave residents the assurance she had taken careful note and listened to their concerns about flooding."Do not think the minister is not listening. We have due diligence to address the concerns you have raised. We will continue to communicate with you as the time goes by," said Moore.