FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 10, 2020
Response to Video Circulating on Social Media
The Office of the Judiciary is aware of the video circulating on social media showing persons dancing and socializing at an event which is said to have occurred in the Magistrates Court Complex on 9 July, 2020.
In response to this, we wish to advise that an internal enquiry into this incident has been launched to determine what actually occurred in the Magistrates Court building, and the facts and circumstances surrounding the events which are partially captured on the video. Appropriate action will be taken in line with the conclusions of the enquiry.
It is apparent that the individuals in the video are not wearing facial masks and are not complying with the physical distancing requirements. Some of the persons who can be seen on the video appear to be members of the court staff while others do not appear to be employed by the Judiciary.
The scenes shown on the video do not reflect the standards and professionalism of the members of the Court staff in discharging their duties to the public.
We are cognizant of the importance of preserving the decorum of court buildings and the dignity and fairness of all court proceedings. For these reasons, we regard the incident shown on the
video as a serious matter which requires our urgent attention and action consistent with maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.
Within the Judiciary, our diligent efforts to reform and modernize the Court system in The Bahamas will continue. We trust that the results of our endeavours will become apparent to the Bahamian public over the next three to six (3-6) months as we execute a series of new initiatives in the delivery of justice to all persons in The Bahamas.
Chief Justice
Chief Magistrate
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