In a bid to alleviate family conflicts and reduce the burden on the Administrator General’s Department (AGD), Jamaicans are being called upon to create wills outlining their wishes for the distribution of their estates.
The plea was made by Jamaica’s Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, who highlighted the staggering workload faced by the AGD, responsible for handling the estates of individuals who pass away without a will.
At the ‘Securing Your Legacy’ roadshow held at Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St. James on Friday (July 21), Minister Chuck revealed that the AGD currently manages over $50 billion worth of property and witnesses a yearly surge of 300 to 500 new cases.
Despite completing nearly 500 cases annually, the AGD consistently faces a backlog of around 5000 active files at any given time.
The benefits of having a will
A will is a crucial document that provides instructions on how a person wishes their estate, property, and assets to be distributed after their death.
Minister Chuck emphasized that creating a will is not an ominous task, as some might believe. Instead, it is a practical measure to ensure the well-being of loved ones in unforeseen circumstances, promoting a smooth transfer of assets while minimizing potential conflicts within the family.
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Using a will to prevent ‘dead leff’ disputes
The Minister underscored the importance of addressing the issue of ‘dead leff,’ wherein individuals pass away without a clear legal document detailing the distribution of their assets.
Such situations often lead to disputes and even violence among family members. In light of this, Minister Chuck stressed the necessity for individuals to take proactive steps to avoid these scenarios.
“I want to emphasize to those who are listening; when a person dies without making a will, the people fight over your dead leff. Nothing creates more violence, grievances, conflicts and death than dead leff across Jamaica, with people fighting over what they never expect, what they believe they should get and what they think that the deceased person should have left for them,” Minister Chuck said.
Particularly highlighting the plight of children left behind when a will is absent, Minister Chuck emphasized the prolonged suffering they endure until the Administrator General can assemble available assets for distribution.
Encouraging proactive measures
He further cited the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as an example, where all soldiers are required to have wills, effectively reducing complications for their families in unfortunate circumstances.
Minister Chuck clarified that drafting a will does not need to be an arduous task, as it can be simple as a one-page document until one accumulates significant assets, at which point it can expand to several pages.
His appeal for Jamaicans to proactively draft wills seeks to foster a more secure and harmonious future, ensuring that their legacy is preserved and their loved ones protected in times of distress.
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