Dear Editor,

Kudos to the Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, who took the opportunity to reveal to the Jamaican Bar Association at their annual conference, held on Saturday, November 23, 2017, at the Half Moon Hotel, Rose Hall, St James, that the effort to modernise the courts’ infrastructure will continue.

He itemised the modern infrastructure required, namely: paperless court system, properly maintained elevators, air conditioners, photocopiers, and computers.

But, my goodness gracious, why didn’t past ministers who occupied that office not see that we needed this modernised court system?

We have been lagging behind in our court system for so long a time that one wonders if we will ever catch up with 21st century standards.

Our lawyers, judges and clerks of court have not been able to completely service the Jamaican people all because of the poor court system.

The minister went on to say, “Now is the time to introduce proper professional management processes in the courts and the justice system as a whole,” and he went on to identify those areas he wants to fix within the justice system.

But he forgot the National Forensic Laboratory, which plays a very integral role in enhancing the effective administration of justice. Please, Minister Chuck, in modernising the court system do not forget the forensics people.

I firmly believe that all entities relating to the court system are to be properly updated to meet the standard of the global legal system. This approach will also reduce the long and tedious months and years cases take to be completed. The way the court system operates now is an injustice to those of us who use the services.

With all this said, may we have a peaceful Christmas, free from bloodshed.

Alrick Davis, JP

alrico_dee@yahoo.com