Chief Justice Commits to First-world Standards in Three Years

Chief Justice, Bryan Sykes, has given his commitment to raise the standards in the justice system to First World in three years.

Delivering the main address at the Judiciary of Jamaica’s National Public Education Symposium and Expo, held on the grounds of the Clarendon Parish Court, in May Pen, Clarendon, on September 27, the Chief Justice said he is committed to First-World standards in the delivery of legal services.

“I do not use the term administration, but delivery, because what matters is not what is planned or administered, but what is delivered. So I am making the commitment to Jamaica to be the best in the Caribbean in three years, and one of the best in the world in six years. In terms of service delivery, that is achievable,” Justice Sykes emphasised.

He pointed out that the theme for his tenure as Chief Justice is: ‘One in Three in the Caribbean and One in Six in the World’, adding that although it is a dream and an idea, everything begins with an idea that has to be translated into action.

Outlining achievements of his first six months on the job, the Chief Justice said that in June and July this year, “we had a five-day leadership training course for all senior parish court judges, and a four-day leadership training programme for court administrators, registrars and deputy registrars of the Supreme Court; senior officers within court management services; as well as for supervisors in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Coroners’ Court”.

He also noted that in August, the first visioning and strategic planning seminar was held. This involved the judiciary, Cabinet office and Ministry of Justice.

“Out of this exercise, a strategic plan is being developed, and upon completion, will be shared with the nation no later than February 2019,” the Chief Justice said.

Justice Sykes said he is now building the human capital in order to deliver the services needed and deserved by all Jamaicans. He added that no matter how many computers are available or how modern the buildings are, without the adequate personnel to do the job, it makes no sense.

He encouraged students from five high schools present to participate as citizens who will be eligible to vote in a few years and take their place as adults in the society.

“You have the opportunity to see what we do and make up your minds as to whether you want to be court administrators, lawyers, or serve in the courts. You are also citizens, and one of your roles is to assist in making Jamaica a peaceful and law-abiding country,” the Chief Justice said.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, who brought greetings,   congratulated the Chief Justice and the Court Management Services for hosting the seminar.

“The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring that the infrastructure and the facilities in the courts are of the highest standard,” the minister said.

He pointed out that work is in progress at the Court of Appeal, and when it is completed next month, “it will definitely be five-star, and we are hoping that all the court facilities will be improved across the island. That is a commitment from us”.

Among the entities offering services to attendees at the expo were Restorative Justice Unit, Justice Training Institute, National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons, Child Protection and Family Services Agency, Victim Services Division, Office of the Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Dispute Resolution Foundation, National Integrity Action, Mobile Justice Unit, The Legal Aid Council and the Administrator General’s Department.