Jury trials are set to resume in Jamaica on Wednesday, April 20 after a two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resumption will coincide with the start of the Easter Term of the Circuit Court, which will also commence on Wednesday.

The Court Administration Division (CAD) said the resumption of trial by jury comes against the background of a reduction in the country’s COVID-19 infection rate and the revocation of measures under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA).

Director of Client Services, Communications and Information at the CAD, Kadiesh Fletcher, said despite the lifting of the DRMA measures, jurors are encouraged to wear their masks.

“Although the mask-wearing order in enclosed spaces under the Public Health Act ended on April 15, we are highly recommending that jurors and court users keep their masks on in the courts for added protection because it is difficult to maintain physical distancing in all our jury boxes,” Fletcher said.

She noted that the participation of jurors is critical to ensuring that trials by jury can proceed and be disposed of in a timely manner.

“I would like to remind members of the public who have been summoned for jury duty that this is their civic duty and an opportunity to play a part in our system of justice. Additionally, failure to show up for jury duty can result in a fine not exceeding $10,000,” Fletcher added.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 with a Tax Registration Number or anyone who is registered to vote in Jamaica can be summoned for jury duty.

Jurors receive a stipend of $2,000 for each day they have been empanelled for a trial.