KINGSTON, Jamaica – The new deputy chief of mission at the United States Embassy, Eric Khant, has pledged his continued support to the Justice Ministry in its effort to transform the justice system.

According to a release from the ministry this afternoon, Khant made the commitment during a courtesy call on the ministry’s permanent secretary, Carol Palmer, today at the Justice Complex at 61 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew.

He noted that the progress in reform and trafficking in persons was encouraging and that the embassy was interested in providing more assistance to the ministry.

The permanent secretary, in providing an update on the progress that the ministry has made, said that the objective was to get the justice system to a state where it is efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the Jamaican people as well as non- nationals.

She said that the citizens of the country need to become more involved in the process.

“We are embarking on a campaign in September to sensitise leaders in communities across Jamaica and the role they can play at the community level to prevent crime. We are targeting principals, senior teachers, reputable business people, justices of the peace, pastors and church leadership, custodes and other persons of unquestioned integrity who can use their influence positively in the community to reduce tension and prevent crime.”

The release said that the US Embassy has been instrumental in providing support to the justice system in the areas of technology, infrastructure improvement and capacity development.

Khant assumed duties as deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy on August 2.