Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says the greatest risk to Jamaica’s judiciary is the inactivity of the Ministry of Justice in relation to its needs.

The declaration from the Chief Justice came as he, again, publicly bemoaned the conditions of the courts in western Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October.

During a media engagement on January 26, Chief Justice Sykes noted that he had not seen any indication that the Ministry had activated emergency procurement to have the rehabilitation works undertaken.

He doubled down on that sentiment yesterday at a ceremony for the swearing-in of judges.

The Chief Justice lamented that, despite discussions with the Ministry and visits by its representatives to western courts when the hurricane passed, no significant change has occurred.

He noted that the judiciary has been conducting repair works at courts in the region to ensure the public’s access to justice.

In light of these developments, he is again stressing the importance of the judiciary having greater control of its resources.

According to Chief Justice Sykes, the Ministry has proven to be an unreliable partner in this matter.

He also commented on the slow progress of the Ministry in implementing the integrated electronic case management system.