HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government Tuesday said it is extending the public consultation on modernising the island’s jury system to January 31 this year, providing residents with additional time to share their views.
The consultation was initially scheduled to conclude at the end of December last year, and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson said the decision to extend the consultation period reflects the Government’s commitment to broad and meaningful public engagement, including focused outreach to young people.
“The feedback we have received to date, from public meetings, online submissions, and radio discussions, has already been insightful, and this continued engagement will help shape meaningful change.
“Extending the consultation period allows us to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered,” said Wilkerson, thanking “everyone who has participated in the consultation so far, including those who attended parish council meetings and those who took the time to engage with us through public forums and media discussions.
She said their contributions “are valued and form an important part of this process” and that as part of the extended consultation period, the Ministry of Justice will host a dedicated engagement session later this month.
The session will focus on introducing senior school students to the role and importance of juries and inviting their perspectives on how Bermuda’s jury system can continue to evolve.
Wilkerson said that directly engaging young people represents a unique and forward-looking element of the consultation.
“We believe that engaging students at this stage allows us to understand better how young Bermudians view civic responsibility and participation, and those insights can help inform a reformed jury selection system that reflects the society it serves,” Wilkerson added.
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