Jamaicans urged to use restorative justice

The Ministry of Justice is encouraging Jamaicans to take advantage of the benefits of its Restorative Justice (RJ) programme, which seeks to heal.

The RJ process is geared towards conflict resolution by providing an opportunity for all parties involved in a matter to come together to reach an agreement. Speaking at the Restorative Justice National Church Service at the New

Beulah Moravian Church in Mandeville, Manchester, on Sunday, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Grace Ann Stewart McFarlane, noted that the process also recognises and promotes positive values, such as respect and compassion. “Following a crime or harm, it involves providing avenues for victims, offenders and affected communities to discuss the causes, circumstances, and the impacts of the crime. It also recognises that harm is a violation of individuals and relationships,” she said. The service served as the official start to Restorative Justice Week, which lasts until Sunday, February 11, under the theme ‘Transformation, Peace and Harmony through Restorative Justice’.

Stewart McFarlane highlighted that rather than retributive action, RJ encourages meaningful engagement, accountability and opportunities for reparation and reintegration.

“This approach contributes to a justice system or conflict resolution mechanism that is accessible, compassionate, and fair. The Ministry of Justice urges every Jamaican to invest in justice that heals and [that] helps to restore broken relationships. Restorative justice is a free, accessible, convenient, and effective tool for resolving conflicts and disputes, promoting peace and harmony,” she noted.

The ministry operates 20 centres islandwide, staffed with parish and field restorative justice officers, supported by facilitators and community supporters who are trained and sensitised to the process.