Hundreds access legal aid through justice fairs
Over 1,000 Jamaicans accessed legal aid through justice fairs, and more than 100 incarcerated persons with mental illnesses received legal representation during the fiscal year under review.
This was in addition to justice professionals receiving Jamaica Sign Language training to improve access for persons with disabilities.
The Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, shared the information during his delivery of the 2025 Throne Speech at Gordon House on Thursday. Under the theme: ‘Jamaica’s Next Chapter, Aspiring to Greatness’ the Throne Speech marks the start of the new parliamentary year and outlines the Government’s legislative priorities.
Fuller said that restorative justice referrals achieved an 81 per cent agreement rate, while over 700 young people (ages 12 -17) were diverted from the formal court proceedings towards rehabilitative treatment plans. Over 1,000 victims of crime received intervention services.
The custos also noted that in the past year, construction began on a state-of-the-art centre in Hanover, a J$200-million investment that will provide restorative justice, victim support, and mediation services. He said major courthouse repairs were completed across St Elizabeth, Hanover, St Catherine, Manchester and Portland, “reinforcing resilience and accessibility to justice services”.
He highlighted that the Government was advancing the construction of the St Thomas Judicial Court Complex at the new Morant Bay Urban Centre “marking a significant milestone in modernising our justice infrastructure and also prioritising centres in Clarendon and St Catherine”. Work is also expected to commence on the Manchester Regional Judicial Complex.
Fuller said the commencement of a phased introduction of an Integrated Electronic Case Management System in the justice system will modernise legal processes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving accessibility, particularly for persons with disabilities.
“The Ministry of Justice remains committed to access and equity through modern infrastructure, inclusive services, and legislative advancements,” he added.
