New security gates installed at the Magistrate's Court at John's Hole, Tortola. Photo: VINO

It was Court Manager Mrs Eunice Crawford who politely informed reporters of the new rule as it relates to parking in the yard of the Magistrate's Court. Photo: Internet source

Many persons, including reporters, tried to gain entrance to the courtyard with their vehicles but were told that parking in the compound was no longer permitted. This was told to a reporter of this news site as well.

Recently, security gates were affixed at the entrance of the courtyard and persons attempting to gain entry with their vehicles are now required to seek permission by speaking through an intercom system.

“Can I help you?” was the first response received by our reporter.

“Do you have a matter in court today?”

“No I am a reporter.”

“You from which newspaper?”

“I am a reporter with VINO.”

“Well you will have to park outside and walk in through the pedestrian’s gate.”

However, another reporter from a different news site entered to the facility but was shortly after approached by Court Manager Mrs Eunice Crawford, who emerged from her office and informed the reporter that he had to leave the premises and park on the outside. Her reason was questioned when she said, “I know you are going to put me in the news for this but that’s ok, but that’s the rule right now. For now we are only allowing lawyers and court staff to park in here, it’s the rule now and sometime later on we will put out something explaining why.”

Nearby, Mr Otto O’Neal and Mrs Irene Penn- O’Neal were seated in their vehicle and they too were ordered out of the courtyard after the Court Manager asked whether they had a matter in court, to which they responded in the affirmative.

Court shielding offenders?

Many persons, however, were not comfortable with having to wait in the hot sun and began asking questions. “Is the Magistrate’s Court attempting to frustrate the public, including reporters, especially when it comes to capturing the photos of criminals to have them exposed to the public?” was one of the questions asked.

Reporters cannot enter into the courtroom with any recording device, including cameras and cell phones, which they now have to leave in their vehicles parked some distance away from the court.

Persons entering the courtroom are also now being extensively searched. But one questions if the court itself is in breach of certain security principles as, in the instance of yesterday, a female police officer had to search both males and females.