BLACK RIVER, St. Elizabeth:

Executive director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) Dr. Carolyn Gomes says Jamaica's progress socially and economically over the last thirty years has been fitful at best and marred by massive inequity in social, political and economic life.

"Opportunities for education, employment and enjoyment of rights saw the lower socio-economic groups in the society severely limited.

Access to adequate nutrition, an acceptable standard of education as well as a reasonable quality of secondary level health care are out of the reach of many Jamaicans," said Dr. Gomes, while addressing the 35th installation banquet of the Rotary Club of Black River in St. Elizabeth at the Invercauld Hotel on Friday.

She also noted that there are too many instances of violence, political involvement in violence, substandard service, over and under invoicing, bribery, corrupt contractual arrange-ments, kickbacks and unacceptable working condition or serious breaches of human rights.

Old Justice system

In light of what Dr. Gomes describes as a failure in Jamaica's justice system, she said, "I would also like to submit that failure to modernise and reform the justice system is a result of those unconscious or conscious class, colour and tribal paradigms. The time has come for Jamaicans to be assured that we are no longer going to be subjected to prolonged detention, severe beatings, or being wrapped up for five years in a remand centre awaiting trial," said Dr. Gomes.

In the meantime, Dr. Adenyi Bamidele, after being installed as the 35th president of the club, pledged to embark on a member recruitment drive.

He said the Rotary Club of Black River will continue to provide hope for many Jamaicans at the community level. Highlighting some of the club's achievements, Dr. Bamidele noted that a student was assisted with tuition fee to continue his secondary education at Monroe College.

Several other projects were undertaken by the club during the past Rotary year, among them the construction of a house for a family of four.

- Rayon Dyer