Technicians from NH International say the construction of Saint Lucia’s new court complex is progressing rapidly, driven by strong local participation and technical expertise.
Officials from the Trinidad-based construction firm held a press conference on Friday morning to update the public on the project’s development, describing it as one of the most transformative undertakings in Castries.
Civil Engineer John Peters explained that the multi-structure project will centralize Saint Lucia’s judicial operations in a modern, six-story complex.
“What we have is a building of six stories or six floors where we have all of the criminal courts on the old education building, all of the commercial courts, the family courts, the civil courts on this side where the adjutant lands were,” he said.
Peters added that the new complex will not only accommodate the courts but also provide facilities for judges, magistrates, and registry staff.
“That building will also house the judges and the magistrates and the civil registry,” he said. “And then what will happen is that the judges will be crossing over through a series of bridges over West Hall Street to get to the various criminal courts that are all situated on the old education building site.”
Beyond its architectural design, the project will transform part of Castries’ urban landscape.
“This particular site now evolves into one of the largest green spaces that will exist in Castries at the end of it,” Peters stated. He hinted at visible progress in the coming months. “Hopefully, by the end of this year, you will see many floors in that criminal court. All I’ll say to you is keep your eyes open, and you will all be surprised how quickly this building goes up.”
Executive Chairman Emile Elias highlighted NH International’s engineering approach and financial commitment to the project.
“The system we use is reinforced concrete walls and floors. We don’t use block work on this project,” he said. “It’s highly engineered for earthquake resistance. We’re seeing a lot more earthquakes in the world and in this region in particular. And of course, hurricanes.”
Elias also revealed that NH International has taken on full financial responsibility for the project under a unique arrangement with the Saint Lucian government.
“NH has fully financed this project and in 12 years it will be handed over to the government of Saint Lucia on behalf of the people for one dollar,” he explained.
“There will be quarterly payments only when we complete. The government is at no risk of construction, cost overruns, or anything like that. We are liable for everything.”
According to Elias, the building is expected to be handed over within two years, marking a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s judicial modernization efforts.