New Complex Will Allow For The Modernization of Supreme Courts

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder K.C. emphasizes why it’s vital the supreme courts find a new home.

In recent years, successive administrations have promised to break ground on a new supreme court complex.

The most recent being this Davis administration.

Back in 2023, Attorney General Ryan Pinder K.C. told reporters the government acquired the Rodney Bain Building property – downtown, to house this new court complex.

In addition, during his senate budget communication last June, the AG revealed the plan was to break ground the end of last year.

Sir Ian tells us the hold up is related to an issue in demolishing the current Shirley Street site.

Sir Ian Winder K.C. – Chief Justice

“We are much closer than we’ve been before, I think. We had challenges with the demolition of the Rodney Bain building because of some power issues…there’s a transformer on the complex that posed a difficulty for the demolition, but that’s being resolved.”

With that issue now worked out, the CJ says the demolition can go ahead, moving on to the groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art supreme court complex, with at least 19 new supreme courts, judges’ chambers, and support services.

The AG also foreshadowed amenities like a bail management centre, jury rooms, a state-of-the-art exhibit room, and full administrative areas, including a probate and civil registry center.

There are also plans for a multi-layered garage, with partial underground parking.

Sir Ian Winder K.C. – Chief Justice

“A new court complex will allow for the modernization of courtrooms, the modernization of spaces, allow for better workflow, for secure workflow, deal with safety concerns we may have.”

Sir Ian Winder K.C. – Chief Justice

“So a court complex will allow for that, better integration, security, and modernization.”