Serious Sykes - Chief justice committed to first-world court system
Published:Saturday | November 3, 2018 | 12:00 AMCorey Robinson
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has reiterated his commitment to create a first-world, high-tech court system in Jamaica within the next six years, and Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck has pledged the Government's commitment to do whatever it takes to make his vision a reality.
Sykes was keynote speaker at a training of justices of the peace put on by the Ministry of Justice and the National Integrity Action at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston yesterday.
"There are some things that can be done immediately without spending a single dollar or hiring another person. We are setting trial dates in 2019 and 2020. We are reorganising the way in which matters are set," said Sykes, as he listed a host of measures to be implemented as part of a strategic plan for the courts.
He said the drive will continue to reduce the length of time for probate and divorce matters, as well as minimise the time the courts spend putting off matters due to minor issues.
Rigorous case management
According to Sykes, attention will also be placed on more rigorous case management, increasing hearing date certainty and reducing delays.
"The legal system here in Jamaica has to be the best in the Caribbean in the next three years, both quantitatively and qualitatively; and also one of the best in the world," he said to applause.
In endorsing Sykes' vision, Chuck said the government will be pulling out all hindrances to ensure it is achieved.
"The chief justice is determined to have a first-class justice system, and every time that I am with him I tell him that the Government of Jamaica will give this chief justice and the justice system 110 per cent support," said Chuck.
"We intend that all the courts should not only be first-class facilities but also five-star facilities," added Chuck.