Legal Aid Council Will Continue to Provide Quality Support to the Most Vulnerable – Justice Minister
By: , May 28, 2024
Photo: Donald De La Haye
Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, recently.The Full Story
Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, says the Legal Aid Council will continue to provide quality legal support and effective legal representation for the most vulnerable in the society.
To this end, he informed that the number of Duty Counsels has been increased to provide representation to persons in need.
The Minister provided the update recently while making his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.
“We have increased the number of Duty Counsels who have been empanelled and I can say that everyone now who needs a lawyer at a police station – a Duty Counsel – or one in court, they just need to call the Legal Aid Council and they are provided with an attorney,” he said.
The Minister noted, as well, that significant strides have been made in ensuring that attorneys receive swift payment for their services.
He said in 2016/2017, a total of $156 million was paid for Legal Aid services.
This moved to $381 million in 2023/2024 and the payments paid to attorneys-at-law have doubled.
“So, more persons who want to be on the roster can now speak to the Legal Aid Council and get on the roster,” the Minister noted.
Mr. Chuck said that with the assistance of some key partners, Global Affairs Canada and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Legal Aid Council was able to assist 300 persons living with disabilities to access justice services which they would not normally be able to access.
“This was at the inaugural Legal Aid Fair for Persons with Disabilities, held at the Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay. We are providing justice and transforming lives. With the enactment of the Disabilities Act (2014) and our focus on equity, access and participation, the Ministry of Justice remains committed to reaching the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
The Minister further noted that the Council also made representation for mentally challenged inmates.
In addition to legal representation, the Council has implemented training sessions in Jamaican sign language for attorneys, to address the gaps that exist and to reach persons living with disabilities, specifically the deaf.