by Althea McBean
To improve efficiency and update the business processes in the Jamaican justice system, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) supported by the United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Division is providing support to the courts’ reforms. The Parish Courts have reduced their backlog to 1.14% and are taking steps to increase their case clearance and disposal rates to ensure that the backlog of cases, which has hampered the justice system for decades, does not multiply. PADF has supported the implementation and strengthening of differentiated case management practices in the Jamaican courts, ensuring that different types of cases are provided the appropriate time and resources to complete them in the most timely and efficient manner.
These advances are helping Jamaica make strides toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. A strong justice system will deter crime and foster the trust and confidence of citizens in the justice system. It should also reduce reprisals and violence by encouraging citizens to resolve disputes through the formal justice system or utilizing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as restorative justice and mediation, rather than resorting to violence, making the just and timely disposition of these cases crucial.
PADF’s work has focused on the Parish Courts, where the vast majority of the country’s cases are heard. Over 31,000 new cases were filed in the Criminal Division in 2021, including assault and wounding cases. That year, over 27,000 cases were completed by the courts, which include cases filed from previous years. This is commendable progress for the Jamaican judiciary.
On this International Day of Non-Violence, we salute PADF’s work in Jamaica and the committed court personnel who work tirelessly to achieve these results. We encourage them to soldier on as they work to achieve and maintain international standards and best practices and to serve the citizens of Jamaica.
Published on October 2, 2022.
Althea McBean
Senior Justice Advisor, Jamaica
Email: connect@padf.org
