Name:                             Magistracy Department

Head of Department:        Valerie R. Stephens

Mailing Address:               John’s Hole, Road Town, Tortola BV I

Telephone:                       284 494 3460

Facsimile:                        284 494 2499

Overview

This department consists of the Magistrate’s Court, the Coroner’s Court, the Youth Courts, the Liquor Licensing Court, Property Tax hearing and all other Courts that fall under the purview of the Magistracy. At the present time, there is one full time Magistrate/Coroner for the Territory. The presiding Magistrate is Senior Magistrate Valerie R. Stephens.  In her absence, the Additional Magistrate presides and acts as Coroner.

The main courthouse is located at John’s Hole, Road Town, Tortola.  This Court sits five days per week, hearing a variety of matters arising out of Tortola and the other sister islands. All Coroner’s Inquests and Liquor Licensing Sessions are held at the Courthouse in John’s Hole.  This Court also holds Night Court sittings three times per week

There is second Courthouse located in the Valley Virgin Gorda at the Government Administration Complex. This Court currently sits two times per month dealing with a variety of matters arising out of Virgin Gorda and Anegada.  The Court in Virgin Gorda also holds Youth Court once per month.

Staffing:      

                                   Senior Magistrate

                       Magistrate                 Additional Magistrate

                                 Senior Administrative Officer

       COURT SERVICES        ACCOUNTS      ADMINISTRATION & HR       BAILIFF

       Executive Officer       Accounts II     Senior Executive Officer       Bailiff

       Clerical Officer           Accounts I      Executive Officer                Bailiff

       Clerical Officer           Accounts I      Messenger

       Clerical Officer         

Plans and Programmes:

Plans for the Magistracy Department involve the following:

-Second Magistrate

-Expansion of Building (physical)

-Expansion of staff to meet the expanding services

 Provided by the Magistrate’s Court

Fully computerised Magistrate’s Department in order to expedite the disposition of cases. By computerising the department, the Court will be able to enhance its services by making the forms for the following available on-line to the public.

    -Liquor License

     -Restraining Order

          -Civil Summons

         -Child Maintenance /Custody 

In an effort to improve the security of the Court, please note:

-Cell phones/tape recorders are no longer permitted in the Court room.

-All persons now entering the Court room are electronically scanned.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Eunice Crawford, Senior Administrative Officer.