The Legal Aid Council has advised that client consultations are now being facilitated via telephone. This is in keeping with coronavirus (COVID-19) health and safety protocols, against the background of rising cases. Legal Aid Officer at the Council, Kerona Spence, told JIS News that persons who usually visit justice centres islandwide often leave their information, to be contacted by the...

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), has sensitised more than 700 Justices of the Peace in Mediation Techniques. The Foundation’s mandate is centred on advancing the education and use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods across the island. Manager of Mediation Training and Network Services at the DRF, Sharon Young Palmer, says the...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says his Ministry is seeking to have additional simple matters shifted from the Parish Courts to the Lay Magistrates’ Court. He noted that arrangements would be made to facilitate this following discussion with Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes. “The Ministry of Justice is very keen to have more matters being dealt in the Lay...

As a Judiciary we are deeply saddened at the loss of our dear friend, brother and colleague His Honour Mr Stanley Clarke who passed away today. At this time there is unimaginable grief, shock and pain. Mr Clarke was a dedicated public servant who worked at the Ministry of Health and The Attorney General's Chambers before joining the Judiciary as...

The Dispute Resolution Foundation (DRF) is facilitating a customised basic mediation training course for Attorneys-at-Law. This is in keeping with the Foundation’s mandate to produce quality Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners, in efforts to engender peace across the society. Manager for Youth Services and Administration at the DRF, Cherrol Taylor, told JIS News that several attorneys expressed an interest in...

The Judiciary of Jamaica has revised its operations in response to the no movement days announced by the government. Director of Client Services, Communications and Information at the Court Administration Division (CAD) Mrs. Kadiesh Fletcher said all courts will be closed early on no movement days. “While the courts are exempt under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), we foresee there...

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is encouraging the newest cohort of Justices of the Peace (JPs) for Manchester to join the fight to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jamaica. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony for the 60 newly minted JPs at Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville, on Thursday (August 19), Mr. Chuck said they could play a...