Jamaicans Encouraged to Utilise the Justice Ministry’s Services to Resolve Conflicts

Jamaicans are again being encouraged to utilise the Ministry of Justice’s services to resolve conflicts and avoid disputes.

Among these is restorative justice which is tailored to resolve conflict by having all parties involved come together to reach an agreement.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, made the call during the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday (March 5) at Gordon House.

“There is no peace without justice, and we are hoping over the next 12 months that [we can] really invite persons to utilise the services of the Ministry to avoid the conflicts and resolve the disputes and the differences,” he said.

Mr. Chuck informed that restorative justice data show that last year, 1,792 matters were referred for this intervention, of which 1,479 or 83 per cent were settled.

“There were signed, settled agreements where parties hugged one another afterwards and cried on people’s shoulders. My major concern is why don’t we have more referrals to restorative justice?” he stated.

“What is needed now is for us to go into the nooks and crannies and tell people, before you hire a contract killer. Please go to [the] Victim Services [Division] if you are a victim of a criminal assault [and] get counselling. If you can get the parties together, go to restorative justice before you start using violence to resolve your conflicts,” Mr. Chuck added.

The Ministry is also working very closely with the Ministry of Education and Youth to speak with parents, teachers, guidance counsellors, and students on how they can resolve conflicts.

Restorative justice represents a different way of thinking about crime and conflict and focuses on holding the offender accountable in a more meaningful way.

It also repairs the harm caused by the offence and helps to reintegrate the offender into the community.

Additionally, it is intended to achieve a sense of healing for the victim and the community.

Mr. Chuck also informed that the Administrator General’s Department has been tasked with undertaking an islandwide sensitisation effort aimed at encouraging citizens to make wills.

“The Administrator General’s Department will do it free for them; and in all sincerity, my only disappointment is that the services of the Ministry have not been utilised enough. [So] I’m begging people, go to the Justice Centres or call 888-JUSTICE (888-458-7842),” he stated.

Members of the Standing Finance Committee are meeting at Gordon House from March 5 to 7 to review the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure.