Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Guaranteed Justice Sector Service Delivery in Wake of Hurricane

The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs remains steadfast in its mandate to guarantee that no Jamaican is denied access to justice, notwithstanding the disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

This assurance was underscored by State Minister, Hon. Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, who highlighted that the category-five hurricane inflicted extensive damage on several courthouses and Justice Centres, particularly across western Jamaica, during its passage on October 28.

“Consequently, a number of critical justice services, including Restorative Justice, Child Diversion, and Victim Services, were severely disrupted, necessitating scaled-down operations in affected parishes,” she stated.

“We have, therefore, been working assiduously with our partners to restore services, implement interim arrangements, and explore innovative delivery mechanisms to meet the needs of communities most impacted by the hurricane,” the State Minister added.

Mrs. Dalrymple-Philibert was addressing a virtual forum on Thursday (November 27), convened to inform Justices of the Peace (JPs) and members of the public of their legal rights and the remedies available to them in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

During the event, representatives of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the Fair Trading Commission (FTC), and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) delivered presentations.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Dalrymple-Philibert said Thursday’s online engagement forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing public education and empowerment initiatives, designed to ensure the dissemination of credible information across communities.

“These initiatives are deliberately designed to equip and strengthen our Justices of the Peace and stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and ultimately contributing to a more informed and responsive justice system,” she stated.

Mrs. Dalrymple-Philibert further emphasised that the forum exemplifies the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to delivering justice that is accessible, responsive, and inclusive, particularly in periods of national hardship.

“Together, through collaboration, innovation, and shared resolve, we will continue to strengthen the justice system and ensure that it remains within reach of every Jamaican,” she added.