The Supreme Court Complex remained a literal ghost town yesterday as cleaning began. The only people on duty were some security guards.
In a Barbados Government Information Service release over the weekend, the public was informed that the cleaning of the files would begin yesterday, following complaints by workers of respiratory issues, mould dropping from the ceiling and other health concerns.
When a NATION team visited the Whitepark Road, St Michael complex yesterday morning, workmen were seen on the steps of the Registry steam-cleaning chairs. However, when approached, a security guard ushered them into the building, and told reporters there was no one there to speak on the matter.
Later, workmen from TMR Sales and Services Ltd. were seen exiting the building.
General secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), Roslyn Smith, said she was unsure what was done yesterday.
“I am not certain if the files were sent over to the Garrison for cleaning along with those from Immigration,” she said.
When pressed as to who was the company doing the cleaning, she said she could not confirm, but believed it might be Mint Condition Industrial Services.
Last week, NUPW president Akanni McDowall encouraged workers to stay away from the building. They were also informed they could not be penalised under the Health and Safety At for staying off the job, while awaiting an official report from the environmental team from the University of the West Indies who were assessing the facility.
However, those who opted to remain at work were asked to report to the human resources department, to be reassigned within the ministry.
The Records Department and Court No. 5 are expected to reopen tomorrow, and all jurors empanelled in that court are asked to report for duty. (RA)
