The old Courthouse, at Crocus Hill, on the outskirts of The Valley, is currently undergoing restoration. Work on the project started in February after the restorer, American national Mr. Michael Taylor, was given the green light from the Executive Council to revive it as one of the island’s most-treasured archeological heritages.
The Anguillian spoke to Mr. Audley Carty, the Contractor for the project. He and his workmen were preparing the rafters for the roof. He said: “The work started here in February, and we have been moving along, but with a break due to the onset of the COVID-19 virus.” He said, “We are at the stage now where we are getting the rafters in place. Most of them are already done. Soon we will put on the ‘closeboard’ and the galvalume.”
He continued: “Many people who pass here ask why we built the new structure on the old. They ask this question because they think that the old section would be too weak to hold up the heavy top. But we have a lot of newly-erected, sturdy columns and beams in the downstairs portion and these are strong enough to support the solid structure above.”
Asked when he expected to complete the work, Mr. Carty could not say. He said that there were three tradesmen working with him, and they are moving steadily.
Thanks to Mr. Taylor, when the work is completed on the building, it will mirror the structure as it appeared in previous times. As an important government relic, it will be regarded as one of the few sites on the island that speaks to the history of Anguilla.
At a press briefing in February, Mr. Taylor said: “It is my pleasure to contribute to Anguilla. This island means so much to me and my family. Your island has provided for us a wonderful life, and we just want to be good citizens of Anguilla and contribute as best as we can.”
The old Courthouse was the centre of all of Anguilla’s administrative work since the 1700’s. It is the only remaining portion of a government building of that era. Up until 1955, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Alice, it housed the Courthouse, Treasury, Post Office and Her Majesty’s Prison.
- Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
