Social Justice Project (SO-JUST) Equipment Handover Ceremony
Friday 1 March, 11:00 am | UWI Regional Headquarters

Salutations
    Hon Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice 
    Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan Sykes, OJ, CD, Chief Justice of Jamaica
    H.E. Emina Tudakovic - High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica 
    Mrs. Grace-Ann Stewart McFarlane, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice  
    His Honour Mr Chester Crooks – Chief Judge of the Parish Courts
    Justice Misty Beaumont-Daley, Acting Director of the Court Administration Division 
    Members of staff of the Ministry of Justice, the Court Administration Division, and UNDP  
    Members of the media
    Other distinguished guests

Good morning. 

UNDP is pleased to mark yet another signal moment in our shared mission to advance Jamaica’s justice sector reform agenda, anchored on expanding access to underserved groups.

Levelling the proverbial field for those who traditionally have limited access, can only serve to strengthen the administration and effectiveness of justice in Jamaica.

Through the Social Justice project, UNDP is proudly implementing appropriate solutions to this development priority with leadership from the Ministry of Justice and the Court Administration Division, and financing from Global Affairs Canada. 

In partnership, we are further improving court case flow management to help address case backlogs, supporting expeditious resolution of court cases for all, including those who are traditionally left behind. 

To this end, the Justice Training Institute will receive training, technology and human resource strategies, and the Court Administration Division will receive stenography equipment to support transcription of court proceedings.

The equipment being handed over today represents a combined investment of 228,720 USD or 35.3 million Jamaican Dollars. 

These contributions, just one of several components under the Social Justice project, are being made during a time of significant improvements in case flow management. Jamaica is to be commended for progressively positive achievements in reducing case backlogs and its unwavering commitment to bolstering related efficiencies. This underscores Jamaica’s commitment to justice sector reform and its client centred approach to the administration of justice.

UNDP’s position on access to justice has been clear and unequivocal. We maintain that “Justice systems, services and institutions must be fair, accountable, accessible and able to deliver quality justice services for all, especially the most marginalised and furthest behind. UNDP believes that a people-centred approach to justice means change efforts within justice systems must be guided by and responsive to people’s everyday justice needs. UNDP acknowledges that formal justice systems represent only one avenue for seeking justice and must therefore also emphasize quality and efficacy of all justice service providers”.

UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica’s current Country Programme 2022 to 2026 supports our global position by committing to enhancing capacities and bolstering legislative and regulatory frameworks consistent with SDG 16, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions and SDG 10, Reduce Inequalities. 

Jamaica’s comprehensive approach which prioritizes the reform of case management coordinated with the adoption of appropriate technology is reflective of best practices. 

UNDP is honoured to be in service to the Government and people of Jamaica in supporting this ambitious agenda, and indeed your vision to become a regional leader in facilitating effective access to justice for all. 

This would not be possible without our valued donor partner Global Affairs Canada whose continued investments in Jamaica’s justice reform has resulted in tremendous gains for the sector. I take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for their commitment and for partnering with UNDP in this important journey.  

I remain hopeful that by end of project in 2028, and by 2030 as the deadline year for the Sustainable Development Goals, that we will witness a Jamaica where everyone can secure timely, effective and efficient justice.  

I believe we are on target to secure that vision for all Jamaicans, regardless of their abilities, location and gender.
Thank you.