GONE are the days when there were reporters’ desks and chairs in the well of the courts of this city.

Journalists attending the Supreme Court to cover proceedings have to mingle with spectators, as all reporters’ desks have disappeared.

Sympathetic judges who respect the press show their appreciation by allowing the most senior member of the press to sit on a chair in the well of the court, where the press table used to be. But yesterday, a female registrar of a young criminal judge told a senior journalist that her boss said he does not want anyone to sit there, and that the journalist should sit on the benches provided for spectators.

Contacted, the judge confirmed the foregoing and added, “I do not want anyone to sit in front of me”. Asked whether that ruling was final or whether the ruling of any other person could be sought, the judge pointed out: “No one could tell me how to run my court.”

This writer took up the matter with Acting Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, SC., who agreed with the judge’s observation that he was in control of his court; but in reacting to the failure of the authorities to provide adequate accommodation for the press, the CJ advised the writer to consult High Court Registrar Mr. Raschid Mohamed.

Contacted, Mr. Mohamed — in company of another judge when the complaint about lack of accommodation for the press was made — promised to provide accommodation to facilitate journalists who attend court to get accurate information.

It is normal for the press to be provided accommodation by courts in the Caribbean and throughout the world.