<\/a>The million-dollar sale of the official Chief Justice residence more than a decade ago has come back to haunt the State. The decision has left taxpayers digging deep into their pockets forking out more than $54,000 a month to afford the super-grade housing a Chief Justice is entitled to. So, why was the home of the nation\u2019s third highest office holder sold and not renovated? This is the burning unanswered question on the lips of many. Comprising 44,943 square feet of land (more than one acre) and located in the affluent neighbourhood of St Clair, the sprawling property was auctioned off for a bid of $7,001,000 just three days before Christmas in 1997. Real estate agent and chartered surveyor Afra Raymond valued the opulent property in today\u2019s market at a whopping $31 million.\n
\n\u201cA piece of land that size would be sold for a little more than $700 per square foot. In today\u2019s market it would worth an estimated $31.5 million. That piece of land in St Clair is a desirable enclave. That size of lot in a millionaire\u2019s row. It is really a desirable spot,\u201d Raymond told Sunday Guardian when contacted.
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By Anika Gumbs-Sandiford September 26, 2010 The million-dollar sale of the official Chief Justice residence more than a decade ago has come back to haunt the State. The decision has left taxpayers digging deep into their pockets forking out more than $54,000 a month to afford the super-grade housing a Chief Justice is entitled to. … Continue reading A house fit for a chief<\/span>