Students Urged To Pursue Excellence And Embrace Justice Services

Students are being encouraged to strive for excellence, resolve conflicts peacefully, and make full use of the justice services available to them through the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs’ outreach initiatives in schools.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, delivered the message while addressing the Justice Day in School initiative, held under the theme: ‘Justice Fi All A Wi’, at Oberlin High School in St. Andrew on Friday (February 27).

He indicated that the Ministry intends to maintain a sustained presence at Oberlin High School through weekly classroom sessions led by representatives from the Restorative Justice Branch, the Child Diversion Programme, and the Legal Aid Council (LAC).

Mr. Chuck emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader national effort to ensure students are aware of the justice services available to them and are equipped with the skills to resolve disputes peacefully.

“There is no reason for you to fight or abuse one another. When you have a problem, go to the guidance counsellor or your teacher and try to settle all the arguments,” he advised.

In motivating students to pursue excellence, the Minister urged them to become “GOATs” – the Greatest of All Time – in their chosen fields, adding, “whatever you do… do your best.”

Mr. Chuck also highlighted the importance of literacy, encouraging each student to commit to reading at least one book every month.

“When you read, you exercise your mind. Leaders are readers and readers are leaders,” he said.

Meanwhile, State Minister, Hon. Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, noted that the presence of multiple government agencies at the event underscored the wide range of opportunities and support systems available to young people.

“If we help you and hold on to you, there’s no argument… the crime rate will be way [low],” she said, while encouraging students to stand proud as Jamaicans and take full advantage of the resources being brought directly to them.

For her part, Principal of Oberlin High School, Michelle Spencer, welcomed the partnership and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s outreach.

She noted that direct engagement with national leaders helps students to better understand public service and leadership.

St. Andrew marked the seventh stop in the Ministry’s Justice Day in Schools outreach series.

The initiative is designed to help Jamaican children make better decisions in conflict situations by increasing awareness of justice services and legal rights, promoting peaceful conflict resolution, and providing targeted resources to strengthen discipline and community engagement among youth.