Jamaicans have become more receptive and are beginning to see significant benefits from participation in the Restorative Justice Programme of the Ministry of Justice. According to Coordinator of the Restorative Justice Unit, Kahilah Whyte, between January and July of this year, some 82 conferences were held, with 684 individuals participating in the restorative justice process. Of the 82 conferences held,...

As part of the ongoing justice reform initiatives as well as the changing demands of the communities within which Justices of the Peace (JPs) serve, Cabinet has given approval for the enactment of legislation to strengthen their role. This was noted by Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, when he delivered the keynote address at the commissioning of 38 new...

The Assize Church Service, which marks the commencement of the Michaelmas term of the Home Circuit Court, continues to be a significant ceremony for Jamaica’s justice system. The annual service, which was held on Sunday (September 17) at the East Queen Street Baptist Church in downtown Kingston, saw the participation of a range of stakeholders of the country’s justice system...

Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Hugh Faulkner says persons need to become more aware of their rights provided under the Constitution and laws of Jamaica. He said the Ministry of Justice has made available legal services to communities through its mobile unit, where aggrieved persons have sought assistance on a range of matters. “The Constitution and the laws...

Minister of Justice Hon. Delroy Chuck has lauded the government and people of Mexico for its achievements since gaining Independence on September 16, 1810. “Mexico has made significant strides in providing for the welfare of its people, ranking now in the top echelons of the world’s leading free market economies and surely a model worthy of emulation by developing countries,...

Three judges have been appointed to serve at higher offices within Jamaica’s judiciary. They are Ceciel Pettigrew Collins and Calys Ruth Patricia Wiltshire, who will act as Puisne Judges of the Supreme Court, and Andrea Maud Thomas, who will act as Master-in-Chambers of the Supreme Court. The appointments take effect from September 18. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says that custodes and justices of the peace (JPs) will have an important role to play in ensuring the success of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO). Speaking at a sensitisation session for lay magistrates in the parishes of Trelawny, St. Ann and St. James on September 13, at the Royalton White Sands Hotel...