KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, says the Government is making significant progress in the establishment of justice centres in all 14 parishes.

The minster, on Wednesday, said that five facilities have already opened in Portland, St Ann, Trelawny, Westmoreland and St Mary.

Work is slated to commence soon on centres in Spanish Town, St Catherine, St Thomas and Manchester, while construction is underway in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth.

Chuck said that lands have been identified in at least two other parishes, while negotiations continue for the establishment of the others.

He explained that the justice centres, to operate under the patronage of custodies, will enable citizens to access a wide range of justice services, including mediation, restorative justice, child diversion and victim compensation.

The centres will also allow for Justices of the Peace (JP) to arrange various meetings with citizens and facilitate information sharing on relevant justice services.

“Not everything will be done at the location, but it can be where people meet or arrange appointments to meet with mediators, children diversion officer or restorative justice facilitators. The centres will be contact points for programmes and justice information in the parish,” the minister added.