Treat Public with Respect – Chuck

KINGSTON — Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, is calling on state agencies to carry out their functions with care for the public, as when they are negligent it costs the state to compensate those who suffer from misconduct.

"It is absolutely important for our state agencies to recognise that when they fail to act professionally, there is someone who suffers, and eventually, the state will have to pay out," the Minister stated.

He was addressing the 10th anniversary ceremony of the Manchester Victim Support Unit Parish Advisory Committee held on November 17 at Las Palmas in Mandeville.

Mr. Chuck noted that his Ministry pays out millions each year for negligence and misconduct meted out to the public. "We must do our jobs properly, professionally, so that our country can lift rather than descend," he added.

Turning to the matter of the sentencing of persons found guilty of criminal offences the Minister said it is worthwhile to examine the system, practised by a number of countries, where victims get the opportunity to say their piece as to what type of sentence he/she would like to impose on the offender.  

"After a guilty verdict is reached…there is a hearing, and the victims or the friends and family, and the offender, with friends and family, would (have a say),” he explained.

He said that with such a system, "the judge's hands are not tied (in terms of) imposing sentence. He gets the opportunity to hear both sides; why the sentencing should be harsh, or why it should be merciful and between those two sides, he can decide on a sentence, which fits the views of both sides".

At the same time, he noted, there are many victims, who would have forgiven their offender "and beg the judge 'don't send him to prison because I have forgiven him.' It would be useful sometimes to hear how the victim feels of what would be an appropriate sentence."

Minister Chuck stated that while the judge is the final arbiter in deciding on sentencing, it is imperative that the views of victims be known as to the type of sentencing that should be handed down.

"I don’t believe that it is fair to the victims of crimes that even though they assist in getting a guilty verdict that they should walk away and hear that the man has got a suspended sentence, or only a fine," he stressed.

By Garfield L. Angus, JIS Reporter