(Stock Photo)

On March 23, 2020, the Judiciary of Barbados issued a statement which outlined the measures to be taken by the Courts during Stage 2 of the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

Last evening, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley informed the nation that Barbados has 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and that the country was moving towards Stage 3 of the Plan.  

She further indicated that a curfew would be imposed from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily, with effect from Saturday, March 28, until Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

In light of the above, the Judiciary of Barbados has decided that it is necessary to put additional measures in place to safeguard the health and well-being of all court users.  Consequently, in respect of the High Court, the following business may still be conducted. 

  • Applications of Extreme Urgency
  • Applications for Bail and Habeas Corpus.

These matters will be dealt with by telephone conference calls, skype and zoom where available.

Attorneys-at-law are advised that all matters set for hearing during this period will be adjourned.  Adjourned dates will be posted on the websites of the Supreme Court and the Barbados Bar Association.

MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

Magistrates will hear new charge sheets at District ‘A’ Magistrates Court, Coleridge Street.  This includes Saturday Court.  Domestic violence cases will be heard at the Magistrates Court within the jurisdiction where the incident occurred, so as to limit the travel inconvenience of the parties.

A schedule of Magistrates’ roster will be placed on the Bar’s website and in the newspaper.

Any civil matter with respect to which the limitation period will shortly expire whether in the Magistrate’s Court or the High Court may be filed/preserved by emailing the documents to the Registrar at registrarsupremecourt@barbados.gov.bb

Chief Justice of Barbados (Ag), Kaye Goodridge

Pin It on Pinterest