ST JAMES, Jamaica – Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, says Jamaicans should take the necessary time to write their wills, making it easier for their instructions to be properly carried out once they are deceased.

According to the minister, the Administrator General’s Department is coming under unwanted pressure in having to deal with situations where it is currently managing more than $50 billion worth of property and an additional $5 billion in bank accounts, because many citizens failed to draft wills.

Chuck, who was speaking on April 9 at a sensitisation session for justices of the peace (JPs) at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort in Trelawny, said that this alarming situation has resulted in complications for families, and placed significant pressure on the Administrator General’s Department, especially when having to deal with warring factions and would-be beneficiaries.

He cited the growing problem of intestacy, when individuals pass away without making a valid will, leaving their estates in disarray, noting that it is critical that the problem be addressed so the Administrator General’s Department can truly focus on other pressing matters.

“It is not easy… it is a very messy situation,” he added, pointing out that the absence of clear instructions often leads to disputes among potential beneficiaries.

“I cannot stress enough… I cannot begin to emphasise enough… the critical need for public awareness regarding the importance of estate planning,” the minister said.

Chuck further noted that the staggering amount of unclaimed property and funds reflects deeper societal issues, including a lack of understanding about estate planning.

He said that many Jamaicans are unaware that drafting a will can alleviate future conflicts and ensure that their wishes are honoured after their passing.

“I am urging Jamaicans to take the time out to draft a will. When you make a will, it solves many problems,” the minister said.

The Administrator General’s Department is tasked with managing estates of individuals who die intestate, and the increasing workload has become a considerable challenge.

Without clear directives from the deceased, the Department often finds itself mediating disputes among family members, which can be time-consuming and emotionally draining.

Minister Chuck further highlighted that these disputes could extend the timeframe for estate resolution, causing additional stress for grieving families.

The lack of a will, he said, not only complicates the distribution of assets but also has financial implications for the State, adding that the Administrator General’s Department must allocate resources to manage these estates.

The minister said that community outreach programmes are being developed to engage citizens in discussions about the significance of estate planning, especially in underserved areas where knowledge about legal processes may be limited.

He is urging community leaders, educators, and local organisations to join in this effort to spread awareness and facilitate workshops on will drafting.

–         JIS