The Editor, Sir:

Your overview of the comprehensive Justice Sector Reform Project in this Monday's Editorial (December 4, 2006), contains an inaccuracy in the statement, "Source of funding and time of implementation are yet to be announced".

This information was provided at the contract signing at Jamaica House on August 31. Over J$87 million has been earmarked to conduct the review that is necessary to enable reform initiatives.

Of this amount, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will contribute J$59.35 million, while J$28 million will be provided by the Jamaican Government.

As for the implementation schedule, the nine-month review process which began in September is now under way and is in line with the timetable developed and agreed to by the Canadian Bar Association. A final report is to be submitted by June 30, 2007.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has been implementing some reform measures prior to this project, more recently the computerisation of the Courts of Appeal and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Major capital works

Equally important is the fact that the J$391 million allocated in the budget for the fiscal year 2006-07 provided for the undertaking of these and other measures, including the carrying out of major capital works.

For example, some $16 million has been provided for the construction of new premises to house the Corporate Area Coroner's and Traffic Courts. Lands have been secured at 79-81 East Street for this purpose. Land has also been acquired in Morant Bay for the construction of a new and modern facility to serve the people of St. Thomas.

Yet another major capital works under the reform programme is the design and construction of a new Family Court in Lucea, Hanover, under the SERP 111 Programme, funded by the European Union.

I am, etc.,

CAROL PALMER (Mrs.)