Jamaicans are once again being urged to take advantage of the offerings provided by the Ministry of Justice to address conflicts and prevent disputes.
At the forefront of these services is restorative justice, a method crafted to resolve conflicts by convening all involved parties to reach mutual agreements.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, emphasized this call during the recent Standing Finance Committee meeting held at Gordon House on Tuesday, March 5th.
Pursuing peace through justice
Minister Chuck stressed the symbiotic relationship between peace and justice, highlighting the Ministry’s aim to foster a culture of conflict resolution and dispute resolution over the next year.
He revealed that last year, 1,792 cases were referred for restorative justice intervention, boasting an impressive 83 per cent settlement rate.
Embracing alternatives to violence
Expressing concern over the underutilization of restorative justice services, Minister Chuck urged individuals to consider peaceful resolutions before resorting to violence.
He advocated for seeking assistance from the Victim Services Division in the case of criminal victimization and emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation through restorative justice mechanisms.
Collaborative efforts for conflict resolution
The Ministry of Justice is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Youth to engage parents, educators, counselors, and students in conflict resolution initiatives.
Restorative justice, representing a paradigm shift in addressing crime and conflict, emphasizes offender accountability and community reintegration while facilitating healing for victims and communities alike.
Encouraging estate planning
In addition to conflict resolution services, Minister Chuck highlighted the Administrator General’s Department’s initiative to promote will-making across the island.
With the department offering free will drafting services, Minister Chuck urged citizens to take advantage of these resources, emphasizing the underutilization of Ministry services.
Reviewing fiscal allocations
The Standing Finance Committee convenes at Gordon House from March 5th to 7th to scrutinize the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, reflecting the government’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability.
