New operations outlined for courts in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland amid Melissa

The public is being advised that changes have been made to court operations in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Effective Monday, November 24, the St Elizabeth Parish Court office has been temporarily relocated to the parish court at Santa Cruz.

Members of the public seeking administrative support, including the filing of documents, inquiries, or general assistance, should now conduct business at this temporary site.

All St Elizabeth Parish Court sittings will now take place at the courthouses in Balaclava and Santa Cruz until further notice.

Court users with matters originally scheduled between Friday, October 24 and Friday, November 21, 2025, are advised to visit the new locations to obtain updated dates.

All court users are encouraged to review their notices carefully to ensure they attend at the correct venue.

Further, Children’s Court sittings have also been relocated and will convene at the Restorative Justice Centre in Santa Cruz, on Monday, November 24.

In addition, the St Elizabeth Circuit Court will begin its upcoming session at the parish court in Balaclava on Monday, November 24.

Over in Westmoreland, all civil and criminal matters previously scheduled for Savanna-la-Mar or Whithorn during December 2025 will now take place at the Whithorn Outstation on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

Matters originally set for Wednesdays or Fridays will be accommodated on the preceding Tuesday or Thursday.

Court sittings in Westmoreland will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the Whithorn Outstation

The Westmoreland Parish Court office, located at 96 Great George Street, Savanna-la-Mar, will reopen on Monday, November 24, 2025, with adjusted operating hours of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Access will be via the Rose Street entrance.

The office will support the public with rescheduling and matter-status inquiries during these adjusted hours.

Court users with matters scheduled between October 24 and November 28, 2025, or those who were unable to attend during that period, are encouraged to visit the court office for assistance.

The Judiciary is assuring the public that every effort is being made to maintain consistent, reliable access to justice services across all affected parishes.

Further updates will be provided as operational changes evolve.

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