Ministry of Justice to Use New Website to Educate the Public

The Ministry of Justice is creating a website to keep the public informed about developments in the sector.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne, made the disclosure while addressing the Rotary Club of St. Andrew’s weekly luncheon meeting at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday (September 15).
“We are developing a Jamaica Gazette website. On that website, we will have all the laws that are being passed; all the Bills; all the draft legislations; all the Ministry Papers; all the information as (it relates) to governance,” she said.
She said that the Canadian government will support the effort under the Justice Undertakings for Social Transformation (JUST) programme, while a contract has already been signed with the webmaster. Senator Lightbourne also noted that her Ministry is improving and developing the present websites of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
“The idea is to have connectivity, so that the Supreme Court will be linked to the Resident Magistrate’s Court; all the courts will be linked. Most of the judges now have laptops.so that they can go in and get the cases and update (on the) laws,” she said.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne (left) accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from Past President of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew, Dr. Lloyd Eubank-Green, during the club’s weekly luncheon meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday (September 15). At centre is President of the Club, Anthony Griffiths. The Minister was the guest speaker. She gave an update on the justice reform process.

The Justice Minister also pointed out that there are constant complaints from the public about a lack of information regarding the changes effected within the Ministry and its agencies. She added that establishment of the website is critical, in the process of enhancing and implementing timely information flow and delivery.
“No matter how we put out the releases, the public just don’t seem to know what is going on,” she added.
On April 21, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and his Canadian counterpart, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Jamaica House, for Canada to fund the project over four years under the judicial reformation process.
Senator Lightbourne said that these, and other changes, will be undertaken as part of the justice reform process, which aims to preserve human rights in the drive for peace and stability.
She also congratulated the Club for its positive role in the society over the years. Senator Lightbourne was participating in the Club’s, Government and Opposition Speakers series.