Senator Dorothy Light-bourne, minister of justice and attorney general, has reiterated the commitment by the Government to incorporate restorative justice principles and practices within the Justice Reform Programme of the island.

Starting yesterday, until Friday, Jamaica will mark the second annual 'Restorative Justice Week' under the theme 'Restorative Justice Towards Forgiveness, Healing and Reconciliation'.

Senator Lightbourne, speaking at a press launch on Friday at the ministry's Oxford Road office in the Corporate Area, said the observance is to promote the philosophy of restorative justice, as "a humane and holistic approach to conflict resolution".

"The effectiveness of structured restorative justice practices has been tried and proven in many countries and varied cultures," Senator Lightbourne pointed out.

To put right the wrong

The minister also noted that the initiative promotes accountability, personal transformation, integration, restraint, attention to needs and that the central obligation is "to put right the wrong".

A national policy on restorative justice will go to Cabinet for approval by April.

In giving an example of the benefits of restorative justice, Senator Lightbourne said: "If a neighbourhood embraces restorative justice practices, it is likely that over time, there will be a significant reduction in the number of incidences of violence and physical harm. This would bring about reduced cost to the health sector and the demand on our security forces and court services."

She also said elements of restorative justice in the criminal justice system can ease overcrowding, and reduce the cost of maintaining inmates in penal institutions.

Jamaica joins a growing number of countries in Europe and Africa that have set aside one week to mark restorative justice.

Commemorative activities con-tinue today, with a service at St Margaret's Church on Old Hope Road in St Andrew.

The week of observance, which coincides with 'Peace Month', will culminate with a two-day international conference on Thursday and Friday at the Hilton Kingston hotel.

The Victim Support Unit, Justice Training Institute, Dispute Resolution Foundation as well as the Child Development Agency and the Probation Service are assisting the Ministry of Justice in this endeavour.