Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, at the official handover ceremony for Jamaica’s new Gender Strategy and Action Plan for the Justice Sector, reflected on the long-standing international partnerships that have helped propel the country’s social justice reforms forward, and outlined the road still ahead.

The programme was designed to institutionalise gender equality and eliminate justice barriers for women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

“If I think of Canada, I know that they have been with the Ministry of Justice for the better part of 21 years,” Chuck said. “They have been steadfast in ensuring that many of these programmes not only get off the ground but grow stronger year after year.”

While celebrating the handover of the Gender Strategy, Minister Chuck also acknowledged the existing challenges.

“There are still many pieces of legislation that need tightening or updating,” he noted, singling out the Sexual Offences Act and the Domestic Violence Act as key examples. “These are legislations that have been a battlefield between the ministries and stakeholders.”

From justice fairs to restorative justice, victim services, and child diversion programmes, Minister Chuck praised the breadth of social justice tools now available to the Jamaican public.

“We have held at least eight or nine justice fairs… We have brought out members of the disabled community for them to access and to see what services are available to them,” he said, speaking at the handing over of Jamaica’s Gender Strategy and Action Plan for the justice sector on Wednesday.

He acknowledged, however, that public awareness remains a challenge.

“We have done well, but we really feel that a lot more can be accomplished. I am a little eager to let the social justice programme be at the fingertips of everyone. So that especially the persons who need help in conflict resolution, who need help for legal aid, who have been abused, can know that they are being counselled. And really and truly, unfortunately too, Jamaicans need to be spoon-fed as to how they can get assistance.”

Minister Chuck reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening legal aid, noting a proposal on his desk to double the compensation paid to participating attorneys.

He also lauded the role of Justices of the Peace, many of whom are now trained to act as mentors, facilitators, and counsellors in the justice system — particularly through the child diversion and victim services programmes.

Still, he expressed disappointment that mediation services have not yet been fully integrated.

“We’re hoping the Mediation Act will soon be enacted so mediation can come under the social justice programme,” Chuck said.

While the formal justice system — including police and courts — has been instrumental in referrals to restorative justice, Minister Chuck wants to see greater community involvement. “We want communities to know about these programmes and refer people directly to our justice centres — not just wait for the police,” he said.