THE Government has received a donation of stenography machines and laptops valued at $30 million to strengthen court reporting in the justice system, under the Canadian-funded Social Justice Project (SO-JUST).

The items were handed over to the Court Administration Division (CAD) and Justice Training Institute (JTI) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Regional Headquarters in Mona, St Andrew, on Friday, March 1.

Provision of the machines will strengthen training and engagement of court reporters and transcriptionists, who take verbatim notes and prepare transcripts of court proceedings.

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck said the donation of equipment and training will ensure greater efficiency in the legal system by enhancing case flow management and case resolution through the courts.

He thanked the Canadian Government for its commitment to assisting the country to improve its justice system through the SO-JUST Project, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is the implementing agency for the initiative.

Jamaica’s Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, in his remarks, said that the availability of reliable court recordings and transcriptions is crucial in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of justice.

“It has to be seen in the broader context of records management … What we want to do is change the way in which records are managed within the courts. Having an accurate court record is indispensable at all times — but particularly now when we are more rights-sensitive,” he noted.

High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic said the handover of equipment and the enhanced training of court reporters represents another substantive milestone in Canada’s ongoing commitment to assist Jamaica in advancing justice and upholding the rule of law.

“These advancements will expedite the legal process by providing judges, lawyers, and other stakeholders with easy access to accurate records, thereby reducing delays and backlog in cases. In addition, it will enhance transparency and accountability,” she noted.

The SO-JUST Project aims to foster improvements within the structures of the justice ministry, the courts, and other related agencies, so as to enhance the delivery of justice.

There is specific focus on strengthening the rights and access to justice for women, girls, people with disabilities, and residents of rural and vulnerable communities.

— JIS