Justice Minister Condemns Discrimination Against COVID-19 Patients

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling for an end to discrimination against persons who are infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

He said persons who have experienced pressure from community members due to the illness should contact the Victim Services Division of the Ministry and get counselling, noting that several individuals in communities across the island have stigmatised fellow citizens who have contracted the virus.

“Being infected with COVID-19 is not a death sentence, and there is no good reason to ostracise and shun family members,” the Minister added, while addressing a digital town hall meeting today (April 24) that examined the effects of COVID-19 on the justice sector.

Mr. Chuck said families who have “suffered from the indignity of being scorned” because of COVID-19 must reach out to the agency and access the counselling services.

“Do not take any wayward action that can cause hurt to yourself and your family,” the Minister urged, as he outlined a case where a young female whose father contracted the virus had to be rescued from committing suicide, due to the actions of persons in her community.

“The Government is appealing to all Jamaicans, COVID-19 is something that has descended upon us, and the victims… it is not their fault, so do not scorn or ostracise them,” Mr. Chuck told the forum.

The Victim Services Division can be reached at: 888-842-6467 or (876) 946-9287. The agency offers telephone counselling, on-the-scene response, home visits, and therapeutic interventions, targeting specific vulnerable groups. It also reaches persons through referrals, and aids in crime prevention and welfare.