Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

WOLFE

Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe yesterday blamed the nation's high murder rate partly on what he described as the uncaring attitude of some Jamaicans, who believed that they could not be affected by crime.

"One of the reasons we are overwhelmed with crime is that there was a time when we did not care because crime was below Cross Roads, and us above Cross Roads were not affected," Justice Wolfe said during a conference on Restorative Justice at the Manchester campus of Northern Caribbean University (NCU).

According to Justice Wolfe, some persons who live in the hills of St. Andrew believed that they were untouchable.

"Now that is a myth and everyone now realises that the effect of crime is upon us," he said, adding that all members of society should now confront the problem and begin to address it.

"And this is what restorative justice summons us to do. If we really love Jamaica, we have to play our part in addressing this matter," he told the conference, which ends today.

The two-day conference is being held under the theme: 'Restorative Justice: Toward National Building and Governance', and is organised jointly by the University's Behavioural Science Department, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Dispute Resolution Foundation and the ministries of Justice and National Security.

Focus on love

Restorative Justice focuses on the concept of love. It is a process in which victims and community members are involved in mediation, trials, among other things.

According to the Restorative Justice team, unresolved hurt leads to antisocial behavioural problems. Yesterday's conference was the culmination of a 21-day series of activities, which began on January 19.

Other speakers

In her remarks, Carol Palmer, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, said restorative justice should be the choice of responsible citizens. "Indeed, it is the involvement of the citizens of a country which ultimately determines the level of success restorative justice will have," she said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Linval Bailey said the vociferous cries for justice in Jamaica demanded a response that was more inclusive of the people's views and creativity.

"Restorative justice provides an opportunity for just that, and the JCF endorses its implementation in Jamaica (and) we are fully committed to paying our part in enhancing its success," he said.

Dr. Pierre Allard, former assistant commissioner, community engagement for the Correctional Service of Canada, urged Jamaicans to embrace restorative justice.

"Face up to the challenge of restorative justice if you are to be a forgiving society," he said.