“It’s a historic event”

Judge Ingrid Lachitjaran on Monday started the first trial in the new court building which is located along the Mgr Wulfinghstraat. “It’s a historic event”, said Judge Lachitjaran who added that many people know what happened before the trials could start in the magnificent building. “People worked hard to get where we are today. I don’t know how to thank them”, said the judge who added that several ministers of Justice did their part to make this possible. The judge pointed out that former Minister of Justice and Police Eugene van der San handed over the keys to the building shortly after he was sworn into office. “A lot of love and effort went into the construction of the building. Everybody, lawyers included deserve to work in the new building. The court building belongs to the entire nation”, said the judge who added that she will not look back at the ugly things that happened in the past but that she will hold on to the beautiful moments.

Attorney Oscar Koulen took a walk down memory lane by talking about the 3 buildings where trials were held. He pointed out that trials were first held at the court building located along the Mgr Wulfinghstraat. Then the trials were moved to the building located along the Frederik Derbystraat and then to the building located along the Henck Arronstraat. He is glad that the trials are once again held along the Mgr Wulfinghstraat. He explained that the trials were supposed to be held at the building located along the Frederik Derbystraat for a short while only. But then it became a long period. Koulen pointed out that former Minister of Justice and Police Jennifer van Dijk-Silos also made a significant contribution to the realization of the new court building. District Attorney Nirmala Maikoe on behalf of the Public Prosecutor’s Office congratulated the nation with the milestone that has been achieved. She pointed out that trials were held at various locations in the past. Although the district attorney did not want to look at the unpleasant moments in the past, she pointed out that looking back is good sometimes. “We wandered about for some time and we finally have a permanent place to stay. I hope that we will cherish this building as we cherish our homes”, said DA Maikoe. Attorney John Ferdinand pointed out that this is the 6th building where the clerk of the court’s office is located.