YORK CASTLE, ST HILDA’S, STEER TOWN STUDENTS SEE MORE THAN POMP, PAGEANTRY
Students from three high schools in St Ann got a front-row view at the St Ann Circuit Court opening on Monday, January 22, in St Ann’s Bay.
The ceremony with its usual pomp and pageantry was watched by dozens of people from surrounding areas, including some with business at the court.
(Ann-Marie Bishop, left, with some of the Steer Town Academy students)
However, the attendance of dozens of students was unusual and was facilitated by attorney-at-law and mediator Ann-Marie Bishop. The students were from Steer Town Academy, York Castle High and St Hilda’s Diocesan High. They were accompanied by two teachers and a guidance counsellor.
High Court Judge Andrea Pettigrew Collins, Senior Parish Court Judge Michelle Salmon, Custos Norma Walters and Senior Superintendent Dwight Powell, took part in the official arrival. Members of the JCF in their ceremonial dress did the march past and salute and formed the guard of honour. The JCF Band provided the background for the parade.
The High Court Judge examined the parade.
(York Castle High students with teacher)
Mrs Bishop told the North Coast Times that she arranged for the students to be there to get them more aware and involved and to have them learn more about the society for which they will be in charge or play leading roles in a few years.
“A proactive and holistic approach is the best strategy to employ to reach our children and young adults and help them to build their self-esteem, realize their worth and greatness,” she said.
Deputy Clerk of Court, Petrina Harrison gave the students an educational tour of a section of the Parish Courtroom and Court Office.
There are 259 cases –39 of them new — before the Hilary Session of the Circuit this term, which runs until February 16.
Among the list are 45 murder cases, new and traversed, and 64 sexual offence matters.
In the courthouse, where the opening protocols continued, Gaunique Williams Lawes, on behalf of the Private Bar, responded to the Judge’s comments.
(The North Coast Times YouTube Channel and TikTok Page will have the video on Thursday evening, Jan.25)
