The Government of Jamaica's vision for accurate and timely recording of court proceedings has received a significant boost from the Global Affairs-Canada-funded Social Justice (SO-JUST) project, with a donation of 30 stenography machines and 60 laptops valued at 35 million Jamaican Dollars*.

Fifteen stenography machines will be distributed to the Justice Training Institute (JTI) to improve the workforce skills and service-delivery of court reporters; 15 to the Court Administration Division (CAD)for use in the courts while both JTI and CAD will each receive 30 laptops.  

Combined with training, technology, and plans to nurture a new cohort of skilled Court Reporters and Transcriptionists, the SO-JUST donation aims to help address court case flow management as a means of impacting Jamaica’s rates of court case resolution.

The equipment was officially handed over during a brief ceremony on 1 March under the SO JUST project which is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Court Administration Division.

Minister of Justice Honourable Delroy Chuck said I take this opportunity to thank the United Nations Development Programme, working on behalf of the Canadian Government. I also want to thank and single out the Canadian Government for its commitment to assist us here in Jamaica to improve the justice system. We have no doubt that [the gadgets] will help improve the efficiency within our court system.

Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Bryan Sykes said the government of Canada continues to invest in significant institutional reform and is committed to programmes that are for the long haul. He expressed gratitude for the donation and noted that the machines will support the justice system in transitioning from the practice of producing notes at trials to producing written transcripts for every trial. He called on steno writers to upgrade their skills and for judges to transition from long handwriting as part of the mission to improve the efficiency of the courts.

Canadian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic said “the availability of reliable court recordings and transcriptions will facilitate the delivery of justice to all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location. “This inclusivity is fundamental to upholding the principles of Social Justice - equity, and fairness upon which the legal system is built.”

UNDP Resident Representative Kishan Khoday noted that the SO JUST donation is being made during a time of significant improvements in case flow management, and commended Jamaica for progressively positive achievements in reducing case backlogs and its commitment to bolstering efficiencies. “This underscores Jamaica’s commitment to justice sector reform and its client centred approach to the administration of justice”, he observed. He said this is consistent with UNDP’s position 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”.

The seven year 12 million Canadian Dollars Social Justice project will address key gaps in access to justice services currently experienced by children, Persons with Disabilities, women, and persons in rural communities.  By 2028 the projects aim to strengthen institutional capacity of justice service providers; expand alternate justice programmes, witness care, child justice and legal aid programmes; increase access by all Jamaicans to information on social justice services; strengthen legislative, policy and programmatic frameworks and modernize records management system.

* UN Rate of Exchange used is J$154.701 to US$1.00

Contact: Gillian Scott, UNDP Communications Analyst, Kingston office, 1 -3 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica. Tel: 876 978 2390 – 9 Ext 2032; Mobile & WhatsApp: 876 509 0724; Email: gillian.scott@undp.org

Contact: Shari-Ann Palmer, Ministry of Justice Corporate Communication and Public Relations. Tel: (876) 906-4923-31 | Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @MOJOFFICIALJM | Website:  WWW.MOJ.GOV.JM