Salary Discussions Far Advanced for Legal Officers

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has assured legal officers and support staff in the justice sector that discussions are far advanced to facilitate salary increases and effect improvement in the terms and conditions of their service.

Mr. Chuck said his proposal will now be taken before the Cabinet, adding that Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has also met with judges and given a commitment to putting more resources in the justice sector.

“It’s not a question of just throwing resources in the sector. We have to say how it will be utilised. I have my own idea of how it will be utilised in terms of more [and] better facilities and improved terms and conditions of service,” he said.

The Minister extended the call for submissions to be made regarding the specific needs of the staff.

Mr. Chuck was addressing a ceremony at the Attorney General’s Chambers on Wednesday (April 25) to open renovated sections of the department.

Meanwhile, Attorney General, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, said she is cognisant that legal officers are called to do “heavy and complex” work. She added that she and Minister Chuck will work tirelessly to improve conditions for the workers.

“I have always been very passionate about conditions of service, and the passion has not waned over the years; and now that I am at a place where I can influence the decision, the Minister and I will stop at nothing until legal officers and support staff are well and properly paid,” she said.

She added that representation is also being made for further improvements in infrastructure and technology.

Mrs. Malahoo Forte said this is important in order to bring well-needed justice to the society.

“Colleagues, I really want to thank you. I know you do hard work and work long hours. I know the conditions are less than ideal, but rest assured the work you do is helping our fellow citizens to live a better life and reduce the liability of Government,” she said.

The Attorney General used her presentation to officially declare the renovated spaces, dubbed the ‘West Wing’, open. These include facilities for the drivers and ancillary staff, an additional lunch room, a sickbay, a conference room and office spaces. The space was previously occupied by the offices of the Parliamentary Counsel.

Officials also present at the opening ceremony were the Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn; Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Judith Grant; and Solicitor General, Nicole Foster-Pusey.