By Lynford Simpson, Staff Reporter
AGAINST the background of several unresolved cases including the Michael Gayle murder for which no one was criminally charged, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is anticipating a busy year as it continues to lobby on behalf of Jamaicans slighted by the justice system.
Other unresolved issues include the beating of more than 300 prisoners at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town last May. JFJ has expressed disappointment that the report of a Commission of Inquiry which was held to ascertain how warders, soldiers and prisoners were injured and how contraband entered the facility is still not ready, six months after the inquiry.
The group was banned from taking notes at the inquiry by Senior Puisne Judge Lloyd Ellis, but it took the matter to court and won.
Dr. Carolyn Gomes, head of JFJ, in reflecting on the group's work last year told The Gleaner: "I think it has had tremendous impact. I think that part of the dialogue of the nation now has to do with human rights".
She said while not everyone was necessarily convinced, JFJ was satisfied "more and more people are becoming aware of the fact that part of our failing as a nation is to treat all of our citizens with justice, with impartiality and even-handedness."
According to her, JFJ was satisfied that Jamaicans "were becoming aware of the dangers of police excesses and the fact they cannot be tolerated". The lobby group is also convinced Jamaicans have come to the realisation the systems in place are not functioning adequately.
Looking ahead, the JFJ head said: "(This) is a year that will likely be made busier by a number of cases of human rights abuse that are still not settled". These include the Michael Gayle case, which after a year and five months and an inquest, has not been resolved to the satisfaction of JFJ.
The group is, however, satisfied there was some international outcry over the incident, primarily due to its involvement. Dr. Gomes has promised that the JFJ "will continue to pressure for justice for Jamaicans".
