Government of Jamaica
June 12, 2023
(From L-R: Research Officer, Mr Chadwick Clarke, Paralegal, Ms Kimberley Gilmore, Attorney-at-law, Ms Allayne Henry, and Executive Director, Mrs Dian Watson) Members of the Legal Aid Council’s team who visited the Juvenile Correctional and Remand Centre.
Kingston Jamaica. Young ladies at the South Camp Juvenile Correctional and Remand Centre in Kingston on June 12, participated in an empowerment session on child rights organized by representatives from the Legal Aid Council (LAC) who visited the correctional institution.
Annually, the 12th day of June is globally recognized as World Day against Child Labour which was conceptualized and fueled by the United Nations in an effort to raise awareness on the implications and depravities surrounding the issue of child labour. The rights of the child are protected by the Constitution of Jamaica and the Child Care and Protection Act, which were both highlighted at the sessions held by the LAC at the Remand Centre.
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Council, Mrs Dian Watson, emphasized the importance of the rights of the child and encouraged the wards to seek legal aid, if needed. “Lawyers are empaneled by the Legal Aid Council to assist individuals in need of legal representation who are unable to otherwise afford legal counsel. The LAC provides lawyers to children in remand. Each child detained or arrested is entitled to a lawyer,” stated Mrs Watson.
Any individual caught promoting or found to be aware of child labour and does not report it could face imprisonment of up to six (6) months or be required to pay a fine of up to five hundred thousand dollars (J$500,000).
In promoting alternative justice services offered by the Ministry, which often forms part of the legal counsel offered by the LAC, Mrs Watson also informed the wards about the Child Diversion (CD) Programme. “In addition to requesting a lawyer on the Legal Aid Scheme, you can also ask your legal representatives to have the judge refer you to the Child Diversion programme. The CD programme is very good and will assist you in avoiding the court system,” stated Mrs Watson.
The CD Programme focuses on diverting children between the ages 12-17 years from the formal justice system. Many of the wards present were aware of the Programme with some testifying to the assistance it has provided them to overcome obstacles.
The LAC is a statutory entity under the purview of the Ministry mandated to administer an efficient and coordinated legal aid system in Jamaica. Its purpose is to provide access to justice to ensure equality before the law, the right to counsel and the right to a fair trial. To obtain legal representation for a court matter, members of the public can contact the Council via email at aid.legal@moj.gov.jm or telephone at (876) 948-6999.
