Wi-Fi in courts may pose threat to witnesses, says chief justice
Published:Friday | October 26, 2018 | 12:00 AMNickoy Wilson/Gleaner Writer
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes yesterday raised concerns about the integration of technology in the nation's courts as he believes that this may pose a threat to witnesses.
"We have a serious problem in Jamaica with witnesses being threatened, in instances, witnesses being killed and kept away from the courts. So when you have Wi-Fi, it means you are also now creating the possibility of supporters of criminals and their associates photographing persons, transmitting it via WhatsApp to their cronies wherever they may be," said Sykes.
He was speaking at the contract signing between the Ministry of Justice and Growth-Tech Limited for the installation of Wi-Fi systems in court at the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston.
The chief justice, however, acknowledged that such technologies cannot be excluded as part of modern existence, and so measures must be put in place for the protection of witnesses.
"We have to develop appropriate protocols within the courts so that the operations of the court, the security of witnesses, are not compromised, particularly when we are dealing with certain kinds of cases," Sykes said.
TECHNOLOGY BY ITSELF DOES NOTHING
He also pointed out that although technology can be useful, it does not automatically solve the existing problems.
"Technology by itself does nothing. It is really the people who are important; who would have to make effective use of the technology. So while technology is helpful, it should not be seen as a great panacea. It is simply a tool that will enable us to do the things we need to do," Sykes said.
Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck expressed his commitment to improving the delivery of the courts' services through the use of technology.
"Chief Justice, I want to work with you to ensure that the technology drives the efficiency, the proficiency, and the manner (in which) things are done in our courts. We expect that certainly by next year, all the courts will be properly equipped so that with your approval, Chief Justice, courts that can be live-streamed will be able to so that anyone across Jamaica or across the world who can't be in a particular court, can watch the proceeding," Chuck said.
The installation of Wi-Fi systems in courts island-wide is expected to commence early next year and does not come at a cost to the Government.