More judges coming to deal with child-related matters

In a bid to reduce the number of child -related matters before the courts, Chief Justice Zailia McCalla has indicated that provisions are being made for additional judges to hasten the disposition of such matters before the courts.

Mrs. McCalla made the announcement on Monday, December 19 at a signing ceremony at the Ministry of National Security’s office in Kingston.

The agreement which is between the Ministry of National Security, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (US-AID) intends to boost the programme offering at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Centre.

Referring to a recent presentation in India on the rights of children and the need to take their peculiar needs into consideration, Mrs. McCalla indicated that several sensitization sessions have been held with judges and resident magistrates with the assistance of UN agencies.

Arrangements are also being made for additional judges to be appointed to reduce delays in the disposition of cases in these courts
“In children’s courts there are no fully staffed persons designated to those courts. Judges who preside are drawn from the Resident Magistrates to adjudicate in Children’s courts and this is not being done on a full time basis, but with the provision of additional judges, we will be able to have these courts operate full time to reduce delays in the adjudication of cases involving children”. Mrs. McCalla noted.

Mrs. McCalla also indicated that she welcomed the recent agreement for extensive rehabilitation programmes at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile centre. This she says represents not only hope for the juveniles in state care but an “advancement of justice in our country”.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Miss Dianne McIntosh, while lauding the international partners, welcomed the agreement as a means of delivering care and protection for Jamaica’s young men while they are in the facility.

Miss McIntosh further indicated that the programme extension would “significantly give our young men a fresh start, to again try to make themselves into productive and law abiding citizens”.

In similar stead, Mission Director for USAID/Jamaica, Miss Denise Herbol while welcoming the partnership, reiterated out that a comprehensive approach was required, including judges and prosecutors recognising the special needs of young offenders. She also noted that this partnership was “just the start of the USAID’s efforts to support the Government of Jamaica’s reform agenda in the juvenile justice system”.

The US$350,000 being granted by UNDP/USAID will go towards conflict resolution and brings to reality a vision to equip the wards at the Metcalfe Street facility with emotional, educational and behavioural support.