Government of Jamaica
The Ministry of Justice’s Legal Aid Council (LAC) is providing legal representation for two additional mentally ill detainees who are set to be released in July.
The LAC filed an application for the release of Abraham Lawrence, a mentally ill citizen who has been incarcerated for 23 years. Mr Lawrence, who will be represented by attorney-at-law, Yushaine Gordon, is set to appear in the St Elizabeth Parish Court, Black River on July 3, 2020.
Executive Director, LAC, Hugh Faulkner has said that the Council stands ready to bear the cost for the psychiatric evaluation necessary to ensure Mr Lawrence’s release. Family members have come forward and have pledged to care for Mr Lawrence upon his release.
The LAC also filed an application for the release of Morris Small, another mentally ill citizen who was admitted to a correctional facility in 2004. He is set to appear in the Trelawny Parish Court, Falmouth on July 30, 2020. Mr Small who has no next of kin will be accepted by a Falmouth infirmary.
The Court requires that mentally ill citizens who come in conflict with the law be released in the care of either a family member or an approved institution.
The LAC continues to encourage family members of mentally ill detainees as well as institutions that can accept these persons to contact the LAC at 876-948-6999/876-948-7275 or aid.legal@moj.gov.jm.
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For more information, contact:
Brittany Stewart
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Justice
(876)550-0650
