Chief Justice, Hon. Bryan Sykes, has advised that the Judicial Services Commission will host its very first retreat this year, to take a deliberate look at the recruitment and appointment of judicial officers. Addressing Thursday’s (April 24) swearing-in ceremony for two members of the judiciary to higher office for the Easter Term, at King’s House, Mr. Sykes said this is...

Two members of the judiciary were sworn in to higher office for the Easter Term by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, today (April 24), at King’s House. Taking the Oath of Allegiance were Her Honour Tracey-Ann Johnson and Her Honour Christine McNeil, who have been appointed to act as Puisne Judge and Master-in-Chambers, respectively, from April...

The Government plans to introduce a Victim’s Charter aimed at giving crime and abuse victims in Jamaica a stronger voice in the legal process and ensuring that their perspectives are considered in addressing offenders. Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, made the disclosure while addressing the Legal Aid Council’s Justice Fair for Persons with Disabilities at Water Square in Falmouth, Trelawny,...

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says Jamaicans should take the necessary time to write their wills, making it easier for their instructions to be properly carried out once they are deceased. According to the Minister, the Administrator General’s Department is coming under unwanted pressure in having to deal with situations where it is currently managing more than $50 billion...

The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) remains pivotal in safeguarding the constitutional rights of Jamaicans. The OPD’s genesis dates back to the 1970s when Jamaica’s first Ombudsman was appointed, with a focus on remedying maladministration. Former Public Defender, Earl Witter, emphasised the institution’s importance in upholding democracy and protecting fundamental rights. “The remit of that Ombudsman was exclusively to...

Jamaicans are being encouraged to know their constitutional and human rights and to make use of the services provided by the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to safeguard those rights. Public Defender, Carolyn Reid-Cameron, made the call while addressing a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on Friday (April 4). She said that many persons are not aware of...

Sixteen Justices of the Peace (JPs) from Portland, Clarendon and St. Ann graduated from the Justice Training Institute (JTI), on Thursday (March 27). The JPs received specialised training between October and December 2024, to serve in the Lay Magistrates’ Court. Training administered by retired Senior Parish Judge, Hon. Marjorie Moyston, was focused on judicial principles and conduct, courtroom protocol and...