JAMAICA on Friday marked a significant milestone in its implementation of the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 2018 with the swearing-in of the Road Traffic Appeal Tribunal, with retired Justice Carol Lawrence Beswick as chair.

Other members are: Victor Barrett and Kimberlee Dobson — who will both serve as deputy chairpersons — Connoly Black, Rev Nigel Pusey, Delworth Heath, and Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee.

The swearing-in, held at the at Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport’s (MSETT’s) Maxfield Avenue location, was presided over by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes and Carol Palmer, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport.

The Road Traffic Appeal Tribunal, established under the Road Traffic Act (RTA) 2018 and attendant regulations, is tasked with hearing appeals related to traffic offences and violations. Comprising a panel of legal experts and other relevant professionals, the tribunal is committed to upholding fairness, transparency and accountability in the adjudication of traffic matters.

Justice Sykes emphasised the tribunal’s vital role in ensuring access to justice and promoting road safety across the nation.

“In the words of Section 44, Sub-section 3 (of the RTA 2018) — a person who is aggrieved by a decision of the authority or agent of the authority may appeal to the tribunal, so the jurisdiction seems to be quite wide it just says a person aggrieved. So what that is especially saying is that just about anyone who comes under the jurisdiction of the Act who feels that some incorrect decision may have been made that they can appeal to the tribunal,” Justice Sykes said.

“The selection of a judicial officer, a very experienced judicial officer, says to me that the persons were selecting someone of maturity, and sensitivity who will bring to bear objectivity to the process and also to institutionalise, from the outset, some principles of practice in the areas of natural justice,” added Justice Sykes.

Palmer, at the same time, said: “Justice Beswick is the first chairman leading the first Road Traffic Appeals Tribunal of Jamaica under the Road Traffic Act is special because too often our citizens are concerned about being heard and feel that they are set upon and abused, so this is a mechanism to ensure that in road traffic instances there is a place where you can be heard, where you can be properly treated and you will feel that you have been fairly treated even if you haven’t won; because this isn’t about winning, but about justice and fairness.”

Justice Beswick, in her response after receiving the instrument of office, said: “I know that I can speak on their behalf, as I speak on my own, to say that we will give it our all. We are very much alert to the fact that we are the first, and because we are the first we have a heavy burden to ensure that the foundation that we are setting is a proper one on which others can build.

“We are most certainly aware of the challenges that exist as it concerns road traffic issues. We are aware because we live here, we see it on television, we hear the protests, we know the challenges, and so we stand ready to assist to alleviate those challenges. Be mindful, be very mindful of the fact that behind those challenges are persons; and persons have to be heard. They have to know that they are being heard. That is to say that they must know that you understand what they are saying,” she added.

The transport ministry said establishment of the Road Traffic Appeal Tribunal reflects Jamaica’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its justice system. “By providing an avenue for individuals to appeal traffic-related decisions, the tribunal aims to uphold the rights of citizens and contribute to a safer and more orderly road environment,” it said.

As the Road Traffic Appeal Tribunal begins its work, said the ministry, the citizens of Jamaica can rest assured that their rights will be protected, and justice will be served. “The tribunal stands as a beacon of hope and accountability, advancing the principles of fairness and equity in the administration of traffic laws,” it said.