KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) says it remains deeply concerned about the unresolved case of Mario Deane.

The organisation says it is appalled by “numerous delays and administrative inaccuracies” that have plagued the case for years.

Deane, at 31, tragically lost his life in 2014 while in police custody on a marijuana-related charge. JFJ in a release on Friday said the delays have resulted in Deane’s family being unable to gain much needed closure on the matter.

Highlighting that the initial trial date for the officers charged in the matter was set for September 21, 2017, the JFJ says the case has been hampered by atleast 10 delays.

“The Mario Deane case has faced a staggering series of postponements, with no less than ten delays occurring between 2017 and September 21, 2022. The most recent court hearing on September 25, 2023 resulted in yet another adjournment, pushing the trial to February 27, 2024,” the JFJ’s statement read. “These persistent setbacks have been attributed to a range of administrative lapses, including missing reports, a shortage of eligible jurors, the non-appearance of police personnel, and the flight of the accused inmates”

The JFJ says the delays have caused family members, including Deane’s mother, to lose trust in the justice system.

“Ms Mercia Frazer, Mario’s mother, who was present at every hearing, has lamented that her trust in the justice system has been eroded,” the organisation said, highlighting that Deane’s mother is bemoaning that after nine years, the family has seemingly only benefitted from a “run around.”

The JFJ says it is appealing to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to have the matter be moved to Kingston, where it can “receive the attention and resources necessary for a fair and swift trial.”

“JFJ’s understanding is that if the matter is moved from the St James Circuit Court to the Home Circuit Court (Supreme Court), there is the likelihood of a better juror turnout,” it said.

The JFJ is also urging the State to take immediate action to address the issue of juror shortage, which was cited as the latest reason for the delay in the Mario Deane case.

READ: Juror shortage hampers trial of cops charged in Mario Deane case

“While we take note of a promise of a Cabinet submission to address the issue of juror stipend, there is need for a broader review of the juror system that would ensure the categories of those who are exempted from jury service are reduced, as well as the provision of comprehensive civic education for civilians. These approaches would broaden the jury pool, and will help ensure that jurors are properly compensated for their service and are equipped with the necessary knowledge to contribute effectively to the justice process,” JFJ expressed.