Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr. Harry Vassallo said yesterday that the long overdue shift to new premises of the Gozo law Courts cannot be delayed any longer.

"This historic building deserves conservation as a heritage asset but it can no longer serve the needs of the community as a court of law." Dr Vassallo said. "While the workload continues to rise, the building already cannot accommodate the people who must attend court each day. The location of the courts in the Cittadella makes access difficult and adds to traffic in Victoria. The lack of space inside the building and the absence of any waiting area makes a visit there more than inconvenient particularly in the summer months." He added.

"Apart from the obvious deficiencies in location and amenities, the law courts in Gozo suffer from a serious lack of human resources with staff at all levels filling in for the missing complement." Dr Vassallo said. "The senior marshall acts as the maintenance man and marshalls are employed as messengers, while the cleaners do clerical work and struggle to do their own jobs. The registry staff is made up of former postmen who have been demotivated by being kept in an employment dead end for years. It is only dedication above and beyond the call of duty that keeps the place going. In these circumstances it is inevitable the delays in the execution of warrants and the holding of judicial sales by auction occur regularly with serious effects on business in Gozo." Dr Vassallo said.

"This situation is the responsibility of the Ministry for Gozo which holds the purse strings regarding the Gozo Law Courts. By treating the judicial system as a Cinderella the Minister for Gozo shows that she has failed to understand the vital importance of a fully functioning judicial system for all persons living in Gozo." Dr Vassallo said. "It is high time that the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs also took responsibility for this deplorable state of affairs in Gozo." he added.

"Without effective and timely remedies there are no rights to be enjoyed by citizens. Without a fully functioning court system or with one which functions by luck and expedients alone, all activities in Gozo face an additional hurdle, one inflicted upon them by the neglect of the Ministry for Gozo. " Dr Vassallo said.

"Alternattiva Demokratika fully supports the proposals made to shift the Gozo Law Courts from the Cittadella to the former premises of the MDP outside Victoria." Dr Vassallo said. "Such a move is very urgently needed and a refurbishment of these premises should be started at once together with the engagement of the necessary staff." he said.