The Gozo courts

My last commentary about the Gozo law courts, was published after I appeared in court before the magistrate hearing my case.

Eight months have passed, and again I had to turn up last week to take the witness stand and to present some paperwork at the registry. As usual I went to the courts early to find a parking space.

It was a pleasure to learn that works were being undertaken to refurbish the old courts registry. It is hoped that the modernisation of the registry will enhance efficiency. One cannot imagine enlarging the premises without taking into account the centuries-old building and the constraints of the surrounding historical environment.

Such acute restrictions of space at the law courts are seeing some functions of the tribunals relocated outside the courts' premises. The relocation of the Local Councils Tribunal and the Juvenile Court to the NGO Centre in Xewkija is a case in point.

While such a move relieves pressure on the administration of the Gozo courts because such departments would be better served outside the courts' premises, one cannot say the same for the officers involved in these departments.

The officers will have to attend the sittings, especially those of the Juvenile Court, bringing the administration of the Gozo courts to a halt. This is mainly because of the acute shortage of staff.

These decisions will not solve the crammed situation in the courts: a situation, which according to an officer, is seen when three sittings are often held at the same time before different courts.

The registry staff explained that refurbishment works were behind the move from the previous wing. The registry's current location used to be the advocates' chamber and plans are under way to transform it to a badly needed third hall.

Little effort is being made to alleviate the staff shortage. On the other hand, the increase in staff may have an adverse effect on the Gozo courts' efficiency because there is no room to accommodate the new recruits.

Besides, each room suffers high levels of humidity which goes against work safety rules and is detrimental to the staff's health.

There are no messengers and security personnel at the Gozo courts. Instead those duties are carried out by court marshals. Apparently the increase in court sittings is giving court marshals no let-up while they have to do extra work in connection with postage and banking.

In my last contribution on the Gozo courts, I drew attention to the implication of the lack of security personnel. One cannot bear to imagine that in this day and age anyone could enter the courts without being checked and scanned. Even if security personnel are stationed at the entrance to the courts, they should be equipped with the necessary means to be able to carry their duties efficiently.

Any measures taken to improve the Gozo courts should include the allocation of new premises. Long in the pipeline, it seems this project will be shelved for a very long time. It was once mooted that the new courts were to form part of the Victoria Communal Centre. That project cannot get off the ground - apparently the land is unstable.

Alternative sites should be considered for the courts' relocation and the government should take stock of the whole problem of the administration of justice in Gozo.