KINGSTON, Jamaica- Approximately 1,500 residents across five targeted Project STAR communities—Parade Gardens and Rose Gardens in Central Kingston, May Pen West in Clarendon, Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, and Salt Spring in St James are set to benefit from a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Project STAR and the Ministry of Justice.

The agreement, which was signed recently at the ministry’s Constant Spring Road offices in Kingston, aims to empower communities by enhancing access to justice services, promoting conflict resolution, and strengthening family structures.

Keith Duncan, co-chair of Project STAR, underscored the importance of the agreement as he said some individuals in these targeted communities oftentimes have challenges resolving conflicts.

“…The first initial reaction is to quarrel and fight and get into violence. We can interrupt that, and this is a programme that I believe is going to play a critical role in that, and I’m grateful and happy to be here to be able to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Justice,” he said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck said the partnership will create a bridge between the formal justice system and the people who need it most.

“The need for engagement at the grassroots level, particularly with those who are underserved, is important that we reach out to them… Those that are often marginalised, at risk, and trapped in cycles of violence, these individuals need more than just the punitive aspects of the justice system,” Chuck said.

“They need avenues that focus on healing, reconciliation, and empowerment. They need opportunities for restorative practices that not only address harm but prevent its recurrence,” he added.

Chuck noted that the implementation of restorative services, victim services, and child diversion requires more than a top-down policy approach.

“These are services that must be shaped by the realities of the communities. By engaging with individuals that are directly affected by these services, we ensure they are not just imposed from outside but are relevant, accessible, and fully responsive to the needs of those who will use them,” he emphasised.

Duncan said that a major aspect of the collaboration is training and certifying facilitators in conflict resolution and restorative justice. Additionally, the MoU will enable case referrals to the Ministry of Justice’s restorative justice, victim services, and child diversion branches. Community members will also gain access to legal aid and key justice services, facilitated by mobilisation efforts within Project STAR’s existing community hubs.

Recognising the crucial role of strong family structures in crime prevention, Duncan said that the initiative will also support the rollout of parenting groups. This approach stems from community-identified priorities during the development of Community Transformation Action Plans, where residents pinpointed weak family structures as a primary issue. Through economic and social programs, Project STAR seeks to address these challenges holistically.

“In partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Social Development Commission, and other key agencies, the initiative will promote preventative measures over punitive ones. “Crime prevention is our focus. We want to empower citizens before conflicts escalate, reducing the need for law enforcement intervention,” Duncan stated.

The MoU further solidifies Project STAR’s governance framework, with oversight provided by stakeholders including the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Other key partners, such as HEART/NSTA Trust, the Ministry of National Security, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, will also contribute by providing skills training, social benefits access, and documentation support to individuals in under resourced communities.

Duncan said that Project STAR remains committed to strengthening communities by fostering dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation.

“As the programme expands, the partnership with the Ministry of Justice is expected to be a vital tool in promoting sustainable change and ensuring that every community in Jamaica has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.