Work as usual: Court continues despite 20 minute power outage

Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias did not let a brief power outage, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, stop her from executing her duties.{{more}}

Shortly after 11 a.m., while hearing a matter, electricity went, and instead of standing down the matters, Browne-Matthias opted to carry on with the day’s work.

The magistrate instructed some of the police officers stationed in the packed courtroom to open the windows to allow for some light to enter, as she continued to listen to the testimony of a defendant.

Browne-Matthias also commended the police officers for being “swift” in their actions to secure her.

As soon as the power went out, police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department rose from where they were sitting and stood close to the bar table, barring access to her.

Other police officers quickly took up position close to the prisoners.

The power outage lasted for about 20 minutes, during which time those seated in the courtroom attempted to seek relief from the heat with makeshift fans.(KW)