JPs to promote ‘free access to justice’ across St Catherine

The community programme will see justices of the peace visiting communities in every nook and cranny throughout the parish and engage residents about numerous social initiatives that foster peace and promote access to justice.

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At the inaugural launch staged at the St Phillips Anglican Church, Old Harbour Bay, Custos of St Catherine Hon. Icylin Golding says the initiative is important in bridging the knowledge gap within the society.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Honourable Delroy Chuck, minister of justice and his team have been working assiduously in sensitizing the public all over Jamaica of the services that are offered free of cost and how to resolve conflicts peacefully. So as justices of the peace and stakeholders here, we join in the effort of caring, where every individual can seek recourse for a peaceful resolution,” she said.

While expressing her disappointment on the lack of take-up from the public, Custos Golding added: “I extend my deepest appreciation to all the stakeholders, volunteers, who have contributed their time, expertise, and passion to make this day a reality. Your unwavering dedication is a testament to the power of collective action and the profound impact that can be achieved when we come together as a community.

“I encourage you all to make use of the services that are offered here today. Please call someone you know who might be in need.”

The programme is in keeping with the Ministry of Justice social justice division where the public is made aware of the plethora of free services provided by the state.

While a number of government agencies were present for the first popup event of the year, the organisers were disappointed with the public turnout.

Not many residents of Old Harbour Bay seemingly were aware of Thursday’s event but the organisers are optimistic that the public turnout will improve as they move across communities within the parish.

Present on the day were representatives from the justice ministry’s victim services, restorative justice and child diversion branches; in addition to agencies such as the HEART NSTA, National Council on Drug Abuse, the Social Development Commission, the police’s community and safety division, among others.

“It’s been a while that Old Harbour Bay, as a district, has received so much attention of agencies coming out. So we are here for you. You are a part of our great parish and so we’re here to provide all these services for you,” said Peta-Ann Morris, parish officer, Restorative Justice.

“Restorative Justice: we are here to provide information about how we can settle your conflict, because conflict is an everyday thing you know. So you need to know how it is you can get in touch with the Restorative Justice office, how you can settle your conflicts, how we can come and do a presentation at your church, your school, your work place.”

Patrena Leesam of the Child Diversion Division says under this “new and dynamic” programme they focus on rehabilitating “children 12 to 17” years of age who have come into conflict with the law.

“The aim of the programme is to redirect them from the formal judicial system, in other words so that they don’t go to jail and find treatment options for them,” Leesam said.

Marcia Stephenson, parish health promotion officer for St Catherine, led a team of nurses from the Old Harbour Health Centre to engage and encourage citizens to “Know Your Numbers” – campaign of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Under this initiative persons are afforded free medical examination to determine their health status for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI).

“Those are indicators that will tell you exactly what is happening inside your body and for you to know how to proceed,” she said.

The St Catherine Justices of the Peace Association will advise the public of its next stop at a date soon to be announced.