Commentary

There are many people who remain aloof and commonly react by shrugging at the spectacle of placard-bearing people demonstrating or protesting about poor roads, lack of water, and other vital services in communities.

The actions of demonstrators are not without precedent as our history is replete with examples of change being effected not from on high but forcibly pushed from below. And even those of us who dismiss these public displays of people venting frustration nonetheless understand their value - they yield results.

And once again we have confirmation that in Jamaica quick action will come on the back of a boycott, a demonstration or a protest. Attorneys who practise in the St Thomas courts proved the point recently when they decided to boycott the opening session of the St Thomas Circuit Court, sending a clear message to the authorities. Sittings were shifted to the space-challenged Supreme Court in Kingston in the aftermath of a fire which razed the Morant Bay Courthouse in 2007.

We were never told whether the building was insured or if there was a basis for a claim to be made on the insurers, and if so what was the outcome. However, given the state of most of our courts, it is unlikely that any prudent insurer would have taken that risk.

Arguments about the inconvenience and costs incurred by persons from St Thomas were forcefully made by the lawyers. Chief Justice Zaila McCalla was able to sooth tempers by promising that something would be done. And sure enough, the Ministry of Justice has coughed up $30 million to provide temporary accommodation in four months. The contract has been duly signed and work should be under way soon. Protest has its rewards.

Protecting the public

One of the most important responsibilities of a government is to put in place proper measures to ensure that the public is protected from criminals. But justice ought to be administered in such a way that every citizen may obtain it speedily and without being put to undue expenses. And even in an era of recession-driven budgets, the Government cannot snub this duty. Although attempts have been made at reform, today what we have is a justice system that is antiquated, cumbrous and woefully inefficient. There is no indication that the Government sees it as a priority to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of justice.

For too long, we have called attention to the deterioration of courthouses and police stations across the country. Courts are often referred to as temples of justice. However, the majority of our ramshackle courts bear no resemblance to temples. For the justice system to earn the respect of the people, they should at least be in good physical shape, for confidence in the system is the basis on which people will accept decisions handed down in our courts.

The St Thomas lawyers and citizens of that agricultural parish will no doubt be celebrating this victory while we await the scene of the next protest or demonstration.

The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner. To respond to a Gleaner editorial, email us: editor@gleanerjm.com or fax: 922-6223. Responses should be no longer than 400 words. Not all responses will be published.