ST ANN, Jamaica — Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck says steps are being taken to have the rights of citizens protected during the special zone operations which are expected to take place across the island following the passing of the special zone legislation.

People have raised concerns that the Special Zones of Operations legislation will allow law enforcers to abuse the rights of citizens. However, the minister said steps will be in place to minimise the possibility of this.

Speaking at the opening of the island’s first justice centre in St Ann yesterday Chuck said steps are being taken to ensure residents are not abused in the process of zone operations.

“After the Jamaica Defense Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force secure these areas, the custodes or Justices of Peace will be there to ensure that the rights of citizens will be protected, “Chuck said.

Chuck said the special zone operations are intended to send the message that criminality will not be accepted.

Stating that it is only a few, which are responsible for the acts of crime, the minister said “we should not allow a couple dozens of young hooligans to make life uncomfortable for us”.

He also called on women including mothers to help to bring criminals under control.

The minister warned that the issuing of Government contracts to community dons must stop. He said law abiding citizens in special zones must be empowered to take control.

“We must take down the criminals one by one. We must smash these criminal enterprises one by one. We must take back our communities one by one, and it will be done right across Jamaica,” he said.

Chuck said he hopes the justice centres will reduce the backlogs in the courts.

In addition to the recently passed Special Zones of Operation legislation, Chuck said he also intends to improve the anti-gang legislation.

The Ministry of Justice opened its first justice centre in St Ann yesterday.

The centre, located at 1 Tucker Avenue in the parish capital, will provide alternative dispute resolution in areas of restorative justice, child diversion and mediation. The building will also host the office of the custos.

Chuck said he hopes to open another six centres before the year finishes and all 14 within the next 12 months.

The St Ann Justice Centre is expected to be fully operational by the first week of August.

Renae Dixon