Plans are being made to renovate the building that houses the Parliament and the Court of Law in capital city, Kingstown.
The announcement was made by Minister of Transport, Works, Urban Development, Local Government and Postal Services, Julian Francis in Parliament this afternoon.
Minister Francis said that the present structure replaced one in 1798 that sat on the same site, and he has not seen anything substantial that was done to the building after it was constructed over 200 years ago.
Minister Francis noted that in recent years, the building has deteriorated, with termites having infested parts of the building. He said to get rid of the termites would require fumigation.
According to Minister Francis they are currently looking at two buildings including the E.T. Joshua Building at Arnos Vale, to temporarily accommodate the Courthouse and the Parliament.
He said in an effort to maintain the architectural aesthetics of the present building, experts will have to be brought in during the renovation works.
The Minister of Works said details with regard to these plans will be outlined further at a later date; however, he made it clear that there is no intention at present, to have the building demolished.
He noted that once the renovation and restoration of the Courthouse building commences, it will take approximately two to two and a half years before services can resume permanently at the facility.
Minister Francis expressed optimism that the Minister of Finance, Camillio Gonsalves, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will find the funds needed to undertake the repairs to the building.
