Improving access to justice: EU provides equipment for Jamaica's Courts

By January 2018, all 71 court rooms and seven hearing rooms across Jamaica will be outfitted with high tech video link and digital audio recording equipment. This is to improve efficiency in the disposal of cases and reduce case backlog. The first set of equipment was handed over to the Supreme Court in Kingston recently.

For years persons have complained about the slow pace at which judgements are delivered in the courts. The technology should help to speed up the pace of some trials and build public confidence in the system by eliminating the need for judges to take notes by long-hand; facilitating witnesses giving evidence from remote locations; and protecting the identity of witnesses. It will also cut costs associated with the movement of detainees for court hearings.

Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of Delegation, European Union in Jamaica said the equipment will benefit vulnerable groups in particular.

"Importantly, the equipment will allow for greater inclusiveness by permitting persons who, for one reason or another, cannot be physically present in the court room - to give evidence from remote locations. This could be for example, from overseas or from the remand centres. Vulnerable groups, including women who are parties to cases of violence, persons who fear their attackers and persons who live in remote areas of rural Jamaica stand to benefit most."

Funding for the equipment was provided by the European Union at a cost of €1.76 million (JMD 250 million dollars), under the Justice, Security, Accountability and Transparency (JSAT) project, which focuses on strengthening governance and oversight in the functioning of the security and justice systems.

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck said the installation of technology is part of government's efforts to modernize the justice sector and improve access to justice for all Jamaicans.

"This development is a historic one, a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernize the justice sector, and forms part of the reform agenda which prioritizes efficiency in the disposal of cases as well as the encouragement of witnesses to come forward, paving the way for effective prosecutions," he stated.