OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Impressed with what he saw at the St Ann Family Court’s public education day symposium Wednesday, York Castle High School student Javier Llewelyn described it as “a rather impactful day”.

He was among students and educators from several institutions across the parish who turned out for the event which is seen as a way to deepen public trust and engagement with Jamaica’s justice system. Held under the theme ‘Your Court, Your Voice — Building Trust Through Knowledge’, the symposium is part of the judiciary’s national public education programme which is seeking to bridge the gap between the courts and the communities they serve.

“We are being provided with important information about the judiciary system straight from the source: the chief justice and other important officials. This information is also being shared with students from the primary level throughout college students and even community members. So we are extremely grateful for this opportunity to integrate and interact,” said York Castle High’s Llewelyn.

Students from Brown’s Town Primary, Mar Jam Preparatory, St Hilda’s High and Moneague College were among others at the event.

During his keynote address head of Jamaica’s judiciary, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, explained that the symposium is a part of an ongoing effort to educate individuals about the family court’s functions and how it impacts their everyday lives.

“We have been creating opportunities like this to give knowledge to our citizens. That way they can make wiser decisions. We have a justice system encrypted to resolve conflicts. The family court system is now a part of what we call therapeutic justice,” he said.

“The family court exists not only to settle dispute but to help families heal and work out their disputes in an acceptable way so they can live harmoniously. Too often, matters that could be settled through dialogue escalate into conflict. So I encourage you to take advantage of the free counselling and mediation services offered through the family court,” Sykes urged event attendees.

There were also representatives of the St Ann Probation Office, Integrity Commission, Dispute Resolution Foundation, Jamaica Constabulary Force at the event. They engaged attendees in conversation and discussions about their operational responsibilities as well as their role within the justice system.

“It is a great initiative, especially for students pursuing programmes in criminal justice and law areas. I think it will help them to be exposed to the justice system and understand the role of the judiciary. Also, interacting with other stakeholders is very important, so students can know where exactly to go for information and seek prospective job opportunities,” criminal justice professional and lecturer of law Joanalee Robertson told the Jamaica Observer.

Her colleague Howard McCalla, who was also supportive of the initiative, noted that it will be particularly helpful for individuals who intend to become teachers.

“We are here to ensure that our students are knowledgeable about their rights. Especially our teacher education students, we want to get them fully aware of what is happening so that when they get back into the classroom as trained teachers they can educate their students from early childhood right through to the secondary [level],” said McCalla.

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force interact with students during Wednesday’s St Ann Family Court’s Public Education Day Symposium. (Photo: Akera Davis)