The Restorative Justice (RJ) Programme is being hailed for creating a paradigm shift in conflict resolution by one of its recent trainees. Between August and October, the Justice Ministry trained more than 200 Jamaicans in RJ Practices, equipping them with the tools needed to help prevent and to effectively manage conflict. Retired Educator, Beulett Hunter, who has been trained in...

The Legal Aid Council (LAC) has placed increased focus on matters before the courts involving inmates who are deemed mentally challenged. Executive Director, Dian Watson, said the LAC has been working to prioritise vulnerable groups. “Some of them have been lost in the system. Currently, we have a little over 300 of them, those who are awaiting trial because they...

The Legal Aid Council (LAC) is reiterating its commitment to providing access to Justice Services for vulnerable Jamaicans, with its continued focus on persons living with disabilities (PWDs). Executive Director of the LAC, Dian Watson, says the vision of the Council is to be able to reach everyone, and this includes the disabled community. “We have been working very hard...

The Legal Aid Council (LAC) has been prioritising inclusive justice for all Jamaicans. Through the mobile justice unit, the Council has not only been reaching rural areas, but also impacting the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable individuals. “We started this year, going to persons who have been unable to come to us. We have been assisting...

The Legal Aid Council (LAC) says that matters discussed with persons utilising the entity’s services are kept strictly confidential between attorneys and their clients. Executive Director, Dian Watson, said, in some cases, persons can be apprehensive about sharing details on the LAC’s mobile units. “We’ve found that mostly women will come on the bus. Men, especially in the inner cities,...

Persons who have been charged with criminal offences and cannot afford legal representation are being advised to contact the Legal Aid Council (LAC). Speaking on the JIS Facebook Live programme, Studio 58A on Wednesday (October 11), Executive Director of the LAC, Dian Watson, said persons who have been arrested or detained can access the duty counsel service free of charge....

Educators and administrators are being encouraged to use restorative justice (RJ) practices for conflict management and resolution in schools. Restorative justice practices focus on preventative measures designed to address issues spurring conflict. Principal Director for the Social Justice Division, Jamie-Ann Chevannes, said the Justice Ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Youth to introduce training in restorative justice...