BRITAIN'S DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions, Sir David Calvert-Smith, Q.C., will visit Jamaica in early November for a series of activities and discussions about justice and the implications of the justice system in Jamaica, it was announced today by the Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs (FIPA).
A guest of the Institute and the British High Commission, he will meet with domestic and British officials before delivering the keynote address for the Farquharson Institute's 86th Anniverysary Banquet, to be held in 'The Hall of Justice', Terra Nova Hotel, Friday, November 7.
'Justice for the People' is the theme of FIPA's 86th Anniversary celebrations and the retiring head of the Crown Prosecution Service is visiting Jamaica to help carry this message and to support efforts to uphold and improve justice in the country.
DEEP CONCERN
According to the Farquharson Institute's Chairman, Frank Phipps Q.C.:
"Bringing Sir David to exchange ideas with Jamaicans reflects our deep concern about the state of justice and security in the country. We believe that a fresh view from outside our immediate circle is desirable and we are pleased that Sir David has agreed to add his experience and learning to the available pool of ideas. The call for justice and security for every citizen of Jamaica is urgently in need of constructive answers and we look forward not only to his address, but also to a positive response by the many in Jamaica who can make a difference in our country."
David Calvert Smith, knighted for his outstanding performance as Britain's DPP, was appointed head of the Crown Prosecution five years ago, when it was under strong public criticism. Since then, his policies and practices have tended to improve the image of the office and to increase public confidence in the justice system in England and Wales. His advocacy of minority rights and his support for victims of crime are well known; and so are his views on methods and techniques for reducing lawlessness in the society.
Sir David's call for ethnic diversity among prosecutors in England is a mark of his interest in raising the standards of the profession and making it more inclusive. He has a distinct interest in developing a better understanding of law and its application to justice and security; in view of this, the Farquharson Institute will conduct a seminar where Sir David will lead discussions with law students, practising attorneys, civil society representatives and other interested in aspects of law and order in the country.
David Calvert-Smith Q.C., was educated at Eton College and King's College, Cambridge.
Tickets for the Farquharson Institute's Justice for the People Anniversary Banquet are $3,000, with rounds of 10 available; tickets and information on the Banquet and Saturday student forum are available through the Farquharson Institute by calling 924-2705, 941-8999, 978-6587, 1-877-7074, 1-909-9482.
