KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Judiciary of Jamaica has rejected reports that motorists arrested on outstanding warrants during the recently concluded Traffic Ticket Public Days were temporarily held in a bathroom at the National Arena.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the judiciary said individuals who were unable to immediately pay court-imposed fines were placed in a designated changing room while arrangements were made for their transportation or other next steps.

According to the judiciary, the room had access to bathroom facilities, allowing those being held to attend to their personal needs while awaiting transportation or alternative arrangements.

READ: CAD defends decision to hold motorists arrested on warrants in National Arena bathroom

The judiciary doubled down that persons temporarily held in this area were not members of the general public who attended the event, nor were they persons being indiscriminately detained based on outstanding warrants.

“They represented the relatively small number of individuals who, after appearing before the court, were unable to pay the fines imposed. In several instances, persons were afforded time to contact relatives or friends who could assist them with payment of the fines. Where payment could not be made, individuals awaited transportation by the police to the relevant police stations, in accordance with established legal procedures,” the judiciary said.

It noted that the temporary holding area was maintained in a clean and hygienic condition throughout the event.

“The facility was regularly cleaned, and every effort was made to ensure that persons were treated with dignity and respect while awaiting transportation or the completion of arrangements concerning their fines. Additionally, a medical team from the Ministry of Health and Wellness was stationed immediately beside the area to ensure that, should any medical need arise, prompt assessment and assistance were readily available,” the judiciary added.

It said preliminary data indicate that 10 people were taken into custody on Wednesday, July 8, because they were unable to pay their fines, while six individuals were taken into custody on Thursday, July 9, under similar circumstances. It noted that at least one individual taken into custody on Wednesday indicated that he had attended the event, prepared to serve the custodial sentence rather than pay the fine imposed.

The judiciary maintained that the Traffic Ticket Public Days were designed to provide Jamaicans with an efficient and accessible opportunity to resolve outstanding traffic matters.

“Thousands of persons attended and were able to settle their cases without incident. The number of individuals who were ultimately taken into custody represented a very small fraction of the persons served during the exercise,” the judiciary added.

The judiciary said that while data entry and reconciliation of the Traffic Ticket Public Days are ongoing, preliminary figures indicate that $97,454,200 in fines were collected over the two-day exercise at the National Arena.

The judiciary said the total number of traffic tickets disposed of, along with other operational statistics, is still being finalised.

It said a comprehensive update on the exercise will be provided upon completion of the data verification and reconciliation process.