Bomb threats frustrate court proceedings

Bomb threats at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court are beginning to take a significant toll on the court system, with legal professionals and litigants expressing frustration over repeated disruptions.

As a bomb threat was reported at the court on Thursday, Judge Chester Crooks addressed those waiting for their cases, warning that the looming threat would inevitably affect the day's proceedings. For attorney-at-law Demetrie Adams, the bomb threat was just the latest in a string of similar incidents that have caused significant setbacks.

"My client is here, the other co-accused are here, and now we are stuck outside waiting for the Bomb Squad to ascertain the status of the situation," he said. "It is truly frustrating and it's just unfortunate that this has been repeated over the last couple of months. It is out of our control when an issue like this arises, and there's no possible solution to prevent it from happening again."

Adams further expressed concern about the impact on his client's case.

"What will occur now is that my two-day trial, tomorrow's [Friday] date will have to be vacated, and then we will have to canvas dates for next year," he noted. "It further pushes back the matter, it causes a cost to my client, and certainly, my time now will have to be rescheduled for attending to other matters."

When asked about the response from security forces, Adams opined that they have not been effective.

"As much as I'm not a police officer, I'm not part of the security forces, I don't know to what extent technology is being used to track and trace all these individuals who are causing this type of disruption in the court system."

Marlon Bennett, who had a matter scheduled for 10 a.m., acknowledged the importance of taking threats seriously.

"Good security protocol dictates that steps be taken. Despite the setback, I am of an understanding."

For some of the litigants, however, the disruption has caused an added frustration.

"A my third time this a court and mi haffi a go back home for the same case," one man complained. "It's either police nuh deh here or the same man weh carry me come a court nuh deh here. A must sign dis."

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one person stating, "Waste dem a waste my time wid this thing, the back and forth fi nothing. Fare and time we a waste."

"No bomb nuh deh ova deh! A scare tactics dem a use," one conductor shouted from a moving bus.

- T.P.