Earlier this year the Justice Ministry and National Integrity Action (NIA), embarked on an island-wide training programme for Justices of the Peace.
The fourteenth and final session got underway recently at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.
The Child Diversion Act 2018 was brought in so that children can be diverted from the formal justice system, instead of being treated as criminals.
Justices of the Peace are now being trained on use of the act to foster restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution.
Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck in commending the JPs in attendance, says the aim of these sessions is to reduce the number of cases going to court.
He announced, that come next year more training sessions will be held.
Turning the focus to crime, Chuck is calling on criminals to utilize the plea bargaining agreements (Plea Negotiations and Agreement Act) to expose what he calls the “big man and big politicians” that they may have been working with, in exchange for a lesser sentence.
Executive Director of National Integrity Action (NIA), Professor Trevor Munroe, called on the JPs to step up their efforts in assisting with the ongoing fight against crime and corruption.
Professor Munroe highlights that from January to November of this year, $8M have been paid out in rewards to anonymous persons who pass information to police investigators. He is urging more persons to utilize Crimestop and other tip-lines established to tackle crime and corruption.
ROBIAN WILLIAMS
