Chuck says emergency review tribunal coming for St James

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says an emergency review tribunal will be established shortly to hear and consider appeals by persons who have been affected by the State of Public Emergency in St James.

The tribunal will adjudicate on appeals brought by persons who have been detained under the powers granted to the security forces.

Chuck told the Jamaica Information Service that the tribunal, which is provided for in the emergency regulations, will consider any abuses, challenges and concerns by persons who have been affected.

The Emergency Powers Regulations 2018, which has been gazetted, will be tabled in Parliament during its next sitting in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act.

Chuck said he and Prime Minister Andrew Holness will be having discussions to determine the membership of the tribunal.

On January 18, a State of Public Emergency was declared for St James to restore peace, reclaim public order and ensure public security in communities.

During the State of Public Emergency, the security forces will have the power to search, curtail operating hours of business, restrict access to places and detain persons without a warrant.

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