Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Town, St Catherine:

A senior judge is asking for more social support for the justice system.

According to Resident Magistrate Lorna Errar, while the Probation Department is doing some work, the court system could still take more of such persons to deal effectively with crime and violence.

Errar, who was speaking during an awards ceremony by the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town at Arians Restaurant in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, said there were some troubling concerns in the system, such as high incidents of violence against women and children, in particular carnal abuse.

She told the Kiwanians that, while counselling is received by the victims of such crimes, offenders also need to be counselled, as they themselves are sometimes victims of violence, including sexual exploitation.

"I can remember a case recently, where the mother of a 14-year-old said that it was only one time that the child reported she had been touched by a senior citizen who visits the family," she said.

Errar said such incidents could be prevented if there were early intervention from the parent, and that a higher level of support from social groups could assist.

Avoid trouble

On the question of incarceration, the resident magistrate told Kiwanians that persons should avoid trouble at all costs, as the prison system is not fully equipped to deal with rehabilitation.

She gave an example of an incident in Linstead in which a motorist, having been placed in custody for a traffic offence, was stabbed to death by his cellmates before he could be released.

To this end, the senior resident magistrate said it was better for one to walk the straight and narrow than to become a statistic.

Awards

Her points were well received by the group, which is celebrating 34 years.

During the evening's ceremony, Dr Raymoth Notice was awarded the Godfrey Dyer badge for outstanding community service, while Stan Leow and Edson Smith were awarded for long and dedicated service to the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town.

The club promised to continue its volunteer services to the community.