Lay magistrates urged to study ZOSO act

Lay Magistrates in Manchester and St Elizabeth have been urged to study the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck.

Addressing the lay magistrates at a sensitisation session at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester, last week, the minister said knowing the law is significant, as the justices of the peace (JPs) have a very important role to play in the zones of special operations (ZOSOs).

He also explained that the call for the entire island to be declared a ZOSO is not possible, as the law states clearly that "The entire island shall not be declared as a zone".

Mount Salem in St James was the first ZOSO to be declared on September 1.

Chuck also quoted sections of the Act concerning the rights of detainees, including the right to see family members, a doctor, attorney, or even a member of parliament, if they so desire.

He reminded them that if the police fail to release the individual, when that is reported to the joint commander or custos, and it reaches the National Security Council, the policeman or woman who failed to follow the lay magistrate's judgement, could be on the receiving end of disciplinary action.