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The Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) has welcomed the community of Gordon Pen, St. Catherine, to its family with the use of the PeaceMobile and Information Village, at an event held today (January 17), at the Eltham Park Primary School and Gordon Pen Football Field in Spanish Town. “The PeaceMobile marks entry into new communities and forms part of...

New Custos Rotulorum for the parish of Westmoreland, Canon Hartley Perrin, has ascended to the high office with great vision and prospects for the parish and its citizens. The Anglican Dean and Past President of the Westmoreland Lay Magistrates Association has an outstanding record of service in the parish, spanning more than 30 years, but feels that with his new...

Two judges, who have been appointed to serve in the Supreme Court, were sworn into office on (Monday) January 7, at a ceremony held at King’s House. They are: Hon. Justice Vivene Juliet Harris and Hon. Justice Sonia Bertram Linton, who have been appointed to serve as Puisine Judge and Master-in-Chambers, respectively. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick...

Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, has welcomed the recent re-opening of the Morant Bay courthouse in St. Thomas. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for judges to the Supreme Court, held at King’s House on Monday (January 7), Mrs. McCalla said the re-opening of the newly constructed facility will now allow cases to be returned to that parish after more than...

Ministry of Justice is actively pursuing full implementation of Restorative Justice to complement judicial proceedings, where reconciliation between the victims and perpetrators of crime and violence is deemed possible.  Restorative justice is defined as the process by which all parties with a stake in an offence come together to resolve the issue collectively, thereby embracing healing within the community and...

The House of Representatives passed amendments to the Spirit Licencing Act on Tuesday (December 4), to extend the opening hours for licenced bars and taverns. In opening the debate on the Bill, Attorney General Patrick Atkinson, noted that there has been a trend for operators to keep their facilities open well past the 9:00 p.m. cut off time and the...

The Evidence (Special Measures) Act was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (December 4), paving the way for the admissibility of evidence via live audio-visual links or video recordings in criminal and civil proceedings and in a coroner's inquest. Attorney-General, Hon. Patrick Atkinson, who piloted the legislation through the House, noted that the use of television live link...

Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, says that the various agencies that have responsibility for dealing with children in the justice system must be vigilant in safeguarding their rights as mandated by the Child Care and Protection Act. She was addressing the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court Parent Month exposition on November 30, 2012 at the Jamaica Conference Centre. The...

The Ministry of Justice’s Victim Support Unit (VSU)  has been providing counselling and other services to victims of  crime for many years. Established in 1998, the VSU has been charged with the mandate to indentify the victim’s needs, advocate for their rights, and to provide support through the implementation of therapeutic/psychological programmes. Senior Co-ordinator at the  Unit, Reverend Osbourne Bailey,...

Legislation aimed at improving the management of public debt was passed on November 30 in the Senate. The Public Debt Management Act will repeal the Loan Act of 1964 and several enactments related to the raising of loans by the Government. Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, who opened the debate, explained that while the existing legislative framework...

Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says the Government continues to make suitable amendments to the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, in an effort to ensure that there is equity and balance within the local motor vehicle industry. Speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new Suzuki showroom on South Camp Road in Kingston, on...

Justice Minister, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, said that the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) should be embraced by the leadership and rank and file of the country’s security forces, as the body will make them more effective in their tasks and improve the justice system and law enforcement. “By virtue of its independence, INDECOM is reinforcing the integrity and...