KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hundreds of Justices of the Peace (JPs) along with the nation’s custodes will converge on the Jamaica Conference Centre for the launch of the 2017 programme of training for justices of the peace on Thursday.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Justice, the training is intended to strengthen the capacity of the justice system.

Among the goals of expanded roles for JPs announced by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck last year were: reducing the backlog of cases in the justice system, and enhancing the skills of JPs to assume a pro-active role in their communities to reduce tension, resolve conflicts and refer persons to the different services in the justice system.

“What we are doing is part and parcel of the broader reform of the justice system and the approach that we are taking will ensure that the reform will be sustainable and beneficial for the long term,” the Chuck said. 

The ministry says it is undertaking a holistic programme of reform that is being implemented across several fronts, including improvements to the court infrastructure, an ambitious legislative agenda and the introduction of audio visual and transcription technology in the courts. 

According to the ministry, as the reform deepens, more cases will be settled through mediation and restorative justice practices.