WESTERN BUREAU:

Justice Donald McIntosh last Wednesday called for law-abiding Jamaicans to help in the drive to sustain the positive image recently given to Jamaica, through the success of world record holder Usain Bolt, by becoming more active in the dispensation of justice.

McIntosh, who is presiding over the Michaelmas session of the St James Circuit Court, was commenting on the fact that only 22 of 137 people served with summonses to sit as jurors, attended court.

"It is not enough for us to have people like Usain Bolt shouting the name of Jamaica alone. If we are here killing our brothers and sisters, then the shouts from Bolt may not be heard," he said.

"We are in a country overridden by violence. St James is the most noticeable in that effect but this is common everywhere. However, let's hope that the people who respect law and order will understand that it is their duty to themselves and others, to reclaim their land."

McIntosh reminded jurors that they set the pattern of justice across the island as, without them, cases cannot be tried. He also pleaded with them to help the court put away those who continue to disgrace the name of Jamaica.

Juror shortage

Prosecutor Maxine Jackson told the court that the circuit has already started to face challenges to clear its volume of 39 cases as at least 70 jurors are required for a case of murder that involves four accused persons. She said the matter was not tried in the last circuit sitting because of the same problem - juror shortage.

She also revealed that several cases would be tried via the Evidence Amendment Act as witnesses refuse to attend court out of fear. She too called on Jamaicans to suppress their fears in the fight against criminality and help to put away criminals. She also sought to assure persons that the police have a 'working witness protection programme' that will ensure that witnesses are safe.

The St James Circuit Court is expected to run for six weeks instead of the usual four weeks, as there are 22 murders, 12 sexual offences and five cases of wounding listed for trial. Seventeen of these cases were traversed from the previous circuit sitting.

tashieka.mair@gleanerjm.com