Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says the Government will continue to focus on enforcing the rule of law, and attaining timely outcomes during the 2018/19 financial year. “That is one the main (areas of) focus for the fiscal year… that we address some of the problems we are having in the justice system. Everyone appreciates that the justice system plays...

For the 2018/19 fiscal year, the Government will continue to strengthen and modernise the justice system. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, provided details during his 2018/19 Throne Speech in Parliament on February 15. “The Administration has already indicated that the Legislative and Constitutional Reform Programme is among the seven priority programmes and projects set out in...

The House of Representatives recently passed two companion Bills to expand the functions of justices of the peace (JPs). Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, piloted the Justices of the Peace Bill and the Renaming of the Courts of Petty Sessions (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill. The Justices of the Peace Bill, which was passed with 27 amendments provides for codifying the...

Debate on the Child Diversion Bill began in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 30). The Bill seeks to enable the implementation of child diversion measures in dealing with children who come into conflict with the law. Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, in opening the debate, noted that among the main objectives of the Bill are: ensuring that...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (January 30), passed amendments to the Trafficking in Persons Act to enable a judge to try trafficking offences without a jury. The amendments were made following reports from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that a number of irregularities were discovered with trials for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) offences. Minister of...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has expressed confidence that Justice Bryan Sykes, who has been appointed to act as Chief Justice, will effectively carry out his role in the public’s interest. He said Justice Sykes was appointed based on his “extraordinary legal insights, clarity and erudition”, adding that his “discipline, structure, efficiency and timeliness recommends him highly to...

Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bryan Sykes, has called for increased investment in technology to speed up the judicial process. “We have instances of mislaid files and documents not filed appropriately. So this is one of the significant contributors to delays, because whenever the documents are not there, the case can’t be heard and it is pushed back for some...