The Judiciary of Jamaica has established the Commission of the Senior Judges of the Parish Courts to strengthen the leadership and management of the Parish Courts. The Commission, consisting of Senior Judges, will provide leadership to transform the lower courts into institutions of excellence through continuous improved results in the provision of sound, timely judgments and efficient legal services to...

The Justice Ministry is working to increase the use of technology and virtual sessions in the administration of Justice across the island. So far, training sessions, court hearings and public education initiatives have been executed using virtual modalities. There has also been a marked increase in the use of audio-visual equipment in the country’s courts. Speaking at a JIS Think...

The Ministry of Justice has incorporated the use of virtual sessions in the delivery of its National Child Diversion Programme. The use of this modality, has come necessary due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, National Child Diversion Consultant, Ruth Carey, said the general operation of the programme has been impacted by...

The Justice Ministry is reporting that 305 children have been referred to the National Child Diversion Programme since its implementation in March 2020. The programme involves implementing measures to divert children, who come into conflict with the law, away from the formal criminal justice system. It is in line with the country’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of...

Persons in relationships who think they are experiencing intimate partner violence are being encouraged to access screening from the Victim Services Division (VSD), in the Ministry of Justice. Between January 2020 and February 2021, the VSD saw 884 clients who were victims of domestic crimes. Executive Director of the VSD, Osbourne Bailey, told JIS News that screening seeks to assess...

Victims of crime are being encouraged to contact the Victim Services Division (VSD) of the Ministry of Justice to access counselling support. The VSD works to provide Jamaicans with access to counselling services, to help victims cope with the effects of crime and violence. Director of the VSD, Osbourne Bailey, said despite the pandemic, there are elements of the criminal...

The Victim Services Division (VSD) is improving its operations and services in the offices islandwide. The Division, which mainly provides counselling services to victims of crime, also provides technical services, crisis intervention, volunteer mobilisation and court support. In an interview with JIS News, Executive Director of the VSD, Osbourne Bailey, said the progressive improvement of the VSD includes sharpening how...