3rd Annual Prosecutors’ Anti-Corruption Training Seminar

Seminar participants discuss the topic of Cross Examination during a group exercise at the Annual Prosecutors’ Anti-Corruption Training Seminar.

Clerks of Court and Deputy Clerks of Court from across the island assembled at the 3^rd Annual Prosecutors’ Anti-Corruption Training Seminar for three days – July 18-20, which was staged by the Justice Training Institute (JTI) of the Ministry of Justice and National Integrity Action (NIA) in collaboration with the Court Management Services (CMS).  

 Chief Justice, the Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla OJ, shared with the group the importance of participating in such an activity, as it assists in building the capacity of Clerks of Court in their knowledge and application of the law. The Chief Justice further shared that the training seminar would focus on the elimination of the scourge of corruption from the nation as she addressed the over 40 participants in the weekend activity.

 Chief Justice McCalla, who has been a longtime advocate for continuing education in the justice system, highlighted the increased efficiency and capacity which public prosecutors would benefit from, ultimately resulting in the swift, efficient and effective delivery of justice for all. She stressed the importance for prosecutors to understand their role in order to be effective in the prosecution of cases, while being cognizant of the pervasiveness of corruption that currently exists in the society.

 Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding in his delivery to the participants stressed the increasing importance of regular training, especially in light of the support from bilateral partners such as the United States Department of Justice, who participated in this activity for the first time this year.

 The Justice Minister pointed out the threat of corruption to the national prospects for foreign investment and development. “The Criminal Justice System is essential to any country, and so all efforts must be made to safeguard against corruption through activities such as this” stated Minster Golding. He further urged State Prosecutors to be aware of the attempts of criminals to undermine the justice system. He said that now more than ever criminals possess the means to subvert the process of justice at all levels.

 Professor Trevor Munroe, Executive Director of National Integrity Action called for a name change of Clerks of Court to be styled as Assistant Public Prosecutors as was recommended in findings coming out of the justice reform programme seven years ago, while citing the very important function of a strong prosecutorial system in Jamaica.

 Professor Munroe extolled the benefits to the country when the prosecutorial arm of the state is efficient, competent, transparent and accountable if the battle against corruption is to be fought effectively. He further shared that prosecutors are generally responsible for a vast number of corruption related cases, which if replicated in this country would go a long way in securing the well-being of the entire society.

  The training seminar is an annual activity designed to enhance the capacity of the island’s public prosecutors by bringing together various experts to assist in keeping judicial officers abreast of changes in the justice sector and the wider community. Among the various topics focused on this year were: Cross Examination, Calling an Expert Witness and Bail Applications.