Justice System Now More Efficient Than Ever – Minister Chuck

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says Jamaica’s justice system is operating more efficiently than at any other time in the nation’s history.

Addressing a Social Justice Tour town hall at the St. Mathews Anglican Church in Santa Cruz on June 13, Mr. Chuck pointed out that the Government has made concerted efforts to reduce case backlogs across the island’s courts, with St. Elizabeth leading the way in clearing outstanding matters.

“St. Elizabeth is doing a fantastic job in reducing backlog. In fact, St. Elizabeth is number one in terms of the reduction in backlog cases,” he noted.

He said that Parish Courts are now resolving 90 per cent of matters within a 12-month period on average.

Minister Chuck further highlighted recent increases in judicial appointments to enhance the capacity of the court system.

He outlined that the number of judges at the Court of Appeal has risen from seven to 30, while the Supreme Court’s complement has grown from 30 to 42 judges.

Additionally, the Parish Courts have seen their ranks swell from 50 to 71 judges, with St. Elizabeth now boasting at least three judges to expedite local cases.

“The Parish Courts are doing a fantastic job to ensure that people have their issues resolved speedily and that is how it should be. Before long, we want most of the cases to be resolved within nine months so people will know that when they go to court, you had better be ready,” Mr. Chuck said.

He noted that the enhanced efficiency in clearing cases helps to instill confidence in Jamaica’s judicial process.

Meanwhile, with about 80 per cent of cases brought before the courts involving traffic offences, the Minister is imploring all motorists, particularly taxi and bus drivers, to exercise discipline and obey the traffic laws.

He argued that by fostering greater compliance on the roads, the number of traffic-related cases would decline, further easing the burden on the court system.

“I call on all motorists, especially those who are breaching the road code to contain yourselves. Respect the rules of the road so that we can have less offences and less matters coming to the court. So, please engage in a certain amount of discipline,” Mr. Chuck appealed.

The town hall formed part of a three-day tour of St. Elizabeth, from June 13-15, aimed at increasing awareness about the alternative justice services offered by the Justice Ministry.

The tour engaged schools, communities and churches.