Four New Courts To Be Built Through NaRRA | RJR News

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has announced that four courts are to be built through the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). 

Minister Chuck made the announcement at the Judiciary Strategic Retreat 2026. 

On January 28, 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said inflows from the US$6.7 billion in development financing designed to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa will be channelled through the National Reconstruction and Resilience

Authority. 

Dr. Holness said the money was being provided through various development banks and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Minister Chuck said it was clear to him in 2016 that most of the island’s courts needed to be abandoned and replaced, admitting that he is disappointed that after approximately 11 years as Minister of Justice, he has been unable to fulfill his original vision of building new courts. 

But Mr. Chuck said Hurricane Melissa has given him hope. 

“Out of that NaRRA, where we got about US$6 billion, I pleaded and Cabinet has agreed to build four new courts, two of which are absolutely needed right away, that is in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, and also in Trelawny and St. Ann. So four new courts

will be built within the next two years, I hope, under NaRRA,” he announced.

Mr. Chuck said with the completion of the Morant Bay Court in St. Thomas by next year, Jamaica should have at least eight new courts

within the next two years. 

The Justice Minister said he has been in discussion with the Development Bank of Jamaica and is hoping that a new Supreme Court, as well as courts in Manchester and St. Catherine, will be built through public-private partnerships. 

As for the existing courts, Mr. Chuck said the Court Administration Division and the Property Division of the Ministry of Justice have been meeting to ensure that maintenance is carried out at an appropriate standard.

“There’s no doubt that many of our courts need upgrading and we are trying as best as possible to see how it can be done, but at the same time, we just have to spend what we have to bring these courts up to standard,” he admitted.

Meanwhile, four months after employees staged a sick out demanding better working conditions at Westmoreland Parish Court, the Justice Minister said the Ministry has entered into contract to rent a plaza to relocate the court. 

“And I’m happy to report…that the contract has been signed now. And the keys, if you have not yet received it, it will be passed unto you, certainly early this week. So, but the contract has been signed after some delay and discussions.” 

In addition, Mr. Chuck said within the next two weeks he expects a contract to be signed to house the Black River Court House in St.

Elizabeth.