KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, KC, will head a list of national and regional speakers at a public reform focusing on Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Eustice Reform.
The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law said that the event on Thursday will be held at the Faculty of Law at the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI).
The Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice, adopted in October last year as part of the 7th Biennial Conference of the CCJ Academy for Law, consists of 39 recommendations that provide a comprehensive roadmap for legal practitioners, academics, policymakers, and other justice stakeholders in our region.
Since the adoption of the Declaration, judicial officers across the region have cited it in around 20 criminal matters.
“These decisions have cited the Declaration about issues such as delay, forensic evidence over eyewitness and confession evidence, measures for witness support, protection and welfare, and the representation of accused persons. In addition to judicial citations of the Declaration, several jurisdictions began to implement the recommendations listed in the Declaration,” the CCJ Academy of Law said.
It said that the Town Hall meeting aims to engage community members, local leaders, and experts in a meaningful dialogue about the implications and implementation of these reforms at the regional level.
The key topics for discussion include ensuring that individuals accused of crimes are treated relatively well, including legal representation, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial.
The meeting will also discuss the rights of victims and survivors. Recognizing and upholding the rights of victims and survivors is crucial to providing support and resources to victims and ensuring their voices are heard throughout the judicial process.
Discussions will also include the roles and responsibilities of police and prosecutors in modernizing the criminal justice system.
In addition to Chuck, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Richard Stewart, and Mickel Jackson from Jamaicans for Justice will share insights and answer questions.
“Additionally, key figures from countries across the English-speaking Caribbean will also appear virtually to share the developments in their respective criminal justice systems,” said the CCJ Academy of Law, adding that “this is an opportunity for the people to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and contribute to shaping an effective criminal justice system.”
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