Plans for Greater Interaction Between the Judiciary and Media

Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, says there are plans to develop a more interactive relationship between the judiciary and the media.

“In order to prevent speculation and eliminate or reduce inaccuracies in media reports, a more balanced approach is necessary, and steps are being taken in recognition of this approach,” she said.

Mrs. McCalla was addressing the 3rd Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) Conference held on Monday (April 24) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

She told the session that there is ongoing training and sensitisation of judges to ensure high standards of judicial performance and support for the rule of law.

She said the training is also geared at keeping the judges abreast of new crime trends, to enhance skills, to ensure that justice is delivered in a manner that maintains public confidence and trust as well as to maintain judicial integrity.

Mrs. McCalla said training, sensitisation, and provision of guidelines have been recognised as necessary for court staff as a means of preventing corruption. “Corrupt practices emanating from that cohort may directly or indirectly impact judges,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips, said over the last four decades Jamaica has enacted legislation to combat corruption.

He said that members of political parties, particularly the leadership, should support and protect persons who work with anti-corruption agencies.