Importance of Wills in Administering Deceased Individuals’ Estates Reiterated

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has reiterated the importance of wills in ensuring the formal administration of deceased individuals’ estates.

He indicated that doing so is crucial in preventing family disputes over property and inheritance, pointing out that unresolved estate matters, commonly referred to as ‘dead lef’ in local parlance, are a leading source of conflict in Jamaica that often tears relatives apart.

In light of these and other potential consequences, Mr. Chuck encourages persons seeking guidance on how to draft a will, to consult with the Administrator General’s Department to ensure their estates are distributed fairly and in accordance with the law.

The Minister maintains that by addressing these issues early, families can avoid serious disputes from erupting, that frequently arise when loved ones pass away without clear instructions for inheritance.

He was speaking during the Social Justice Tour Town Hall in Lucea, Hanover, on September 19.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chuck urged residents of Hanover to support law enforcement efforts in crime prevention.

He emphasised that the thrust to reduce crime and violence is not the sole responsibility of the police.

“So I ask the Justices of the Peace, the political representatives and all of Hanover to give your full support to the [Hanover Police], to make sure we keep crime down in Hanover,” he implored.

The Minister added that maintaining low crime rates in Hanover and, by extension, Jamaica, is a shared responsibility.

In this regard, he called for a unified stakeholder approach to partnering with the police as well as the justice system to ensure safer communities.

Mr. Chuck used the opportunity to commend Deputy Superintendent of Police, Andrew Nish, and the Hanover Police for their commendable efforts in maintaining order in the parish.

He also assured that the Justice Ministry is, “working overtime to get all the services to the people of Jamaica.”

“In every nook and cranny, we’re training restorative justice facilitators, and we’re training child diversion officers,” Minister Chuck added.

The town hall, which formed part of a broader three-day initiative, featured presentations from various government entities, including the Ministry of National Security, Legal Aid Council and Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Other programmed engagements included school visits and community meetings designed to heighten public knowledge of and interactions with justice services.