Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson (right) and Press Association of Jamaica President Desmond Richards gesticulate while making a point during discussions on press access to the courts, held at the Ministry of Justice's New Kingston offices yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Justice Minister A.J. Nicholson yesterday assured the leadership of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) that journalists will be allowed to carry out their professional duties in the courts unhindered.

The meeting was requested by the PAJ in the wake of reports that journalists were being denied information by staff at the Half-Way Tree Court office, and relegated to the back of the courtroom, where the proceedings are often inaudible.

PAJ President Desmond Richards, while recognising limitations in the court, underscored the important role the media plays in a democracy and pressed the Justice Ministry to address the untenable situation in the Half-Way Tree Court.

"We fully agree that no hindrance must be placed in the journalist's way ..." said Senator Nicholson. "We will have words with the functionaries (in the court)."

Audio systems

In addition, Carol Palmer, permanent secretary in the Justice Ministry, disclosed that the ministry was in the process of procuring public address systems for the courtrooms at the Half-Way Tree Court and elsewhere to enable persons attending court to properly hear the proceedings. She declined to affix a timeline for the installation of the audio systems, pointing to the need to comply with government procurement procedures.

But Mrs. Palmer emphasised that the long-term solution to accommodating journalists in the courts is dependent on the planned administrative reform and physical restructuring of the justice system. This, she said, could include the provision of an information officer who could competently deal with the media.

In providing background to the issue, the Justice Minister explained that, in the past, court staff had divulged sensitive information to journalists, hence the subsequent restriction on giving out information. He stressed that the internal measure was due to security and confidentiality concerns, and not aimed at hindering freedom of information. The Justice Minister noted that the restrictions at the Half-Way Tree courtroom were in one of 91 courtrooms islandwide.