NICHOLSON

Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator

Jamaicans have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consistency of the courts in handing down sentencing for similar offences and are concerned about delays in the justice system, according to initial feedback from persons who participated in consultations on the new justice reform programme.

The Government, with assistance from the Canadian Bar Association, has embarked upon a comprehensive review of the justice system, beginning in October, last year. It has since held meetings with persons in the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Ann, St. Catherine and St. Thomas.

A Recurring Theme

"There is a recurring theme about how people and, particularly, our less-privileged citizens are treated by court staff about the rehabilitation of offenders, especially youth offenders and difficulties being experienced by Jamaicans in understanding the language of the court," said A.J. Nicholson, Justice Minister and Attorney-General.

In a statement in the Senate, Mr. Nicholson told his colleagues that, under the review phase of the programme, the Government would target effective integration of technology, organisational problem-solving, implementation of the justice sector reform, and conflict-management skills.

The Clarendon Resident Magistrate's Court has been selected as the pilot site where the Judicial Enforcement Management System would be fully activated. This system provides a more efficient means of tracking cases and gives information on the number of times cases have been adjourned and the reasons for the adjournment.

A digital recording system willalso be introduced for the recording of depositions. This would replace the current exercise, which requires persons with specialised skills and aptitude. There will be a demonstration of the new system at the Clarendon Resident Magistrate's Court on April 22.

Rehabilitate courts

Meanwhile, the Government is spending $1.35 billion to rehabilitate and construct a number of courthouses across the country.

Extension of the Supreme Court in Kingston is set for completion in October at a cost of $110 million, while work on the Santa Cruz Courthouse is scheduled for completion, in May, at a cost of $10 million.

Construction is to begin on the Balaclava Courthouse next month with the Government spending $43 million on this project.

The Government has allocated $50 million for the construction of the Lucea Family Court while the National Commercial Bank is spending $240 million to construct a court in Port Antonio by September 2007.

"The designs will give full consideration for access to the physically challenged, security for victims, officers of the court, the jury and witnesses," Nicholson added.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com