Discussions on use of court time
to begin soon
Justice Minister to meet with judges

Press Release

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck met with staff members of the Office of the Trustee in Bankruptcy on his official visit - Friday September 2, 2011. (Photos: Kahmile Reid)

The Trustee in Bankruptcy, Mr. Hugh Wildman; Minister of Justice, the Hon. Delroy Chuck; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Robert Rainford,  all had a brief meeting in Mr. Wildman’s Office before doing a walk-through and having a general meeting with staff members.

September 2, 2011 - The Minister of Justice, the Honourable Delroy Chuck said he will be meeting with judges in short order to discuss more efficient use of the courts’ time. According to the Minister, too much of the courts’ time is being wasted and this is one of the major reasons for the slow administration of justice in Jamaica.

“We are not utilizing court time efficiently and in a manner beneficial to the people of this country, and it is contributing to the hundreds and thousands of cases that still remain to be tried in the courts. Most court rooms across Jamaica are opened from 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  and from 2:00 -4:00 p.m., approximately five hours and often times, less. This ought not to continue,” the Minister said.

He was speaking to staff members of the Office of the Trustee in Bankruptcy on an official visit to the Office on Friday (Sept 2).

As part of his mission to take a consultative and collaborative approach toward the different Departments and Agencies under the ministry during his tenure, the Minister visited the Office of the Trustee in Bankruptcy to meet with the head of the Department as well as staff members with a view to hearing their concerns.

Consequently, the Justice Minister fielded questions from staff members; chief among the issues raised was the extended period of time taken for rulings and decisions to be made. 

Minister Chuck assured that since he took office he has been advocating better use of the courts’ time and that he already initiated talks with the Chief Justice on the matter. He also informed that he is slated to meet with judges in an effort to have the issue addressed. This, he said, would assist in getting matters dealt with in a more efficient manner.

During his visit, the Minister was given a tour and had discussions with the Trustee in Bankruptcy, Mr. Hugh Wildman.