Chief Justice, The  Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla, joins Senior Resident Magistrate of the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court, Her Honour Paula Blake-Powell (left) in cutting the ribbon during the dedication ceremony of the renovated Children’s Room at the court on Thursday June 5.

CUSO International Country Representative to Jamaica, Mr. Tariq Perkins presents a stuffed toy to Senior Resident Magistrate Her Honor Mrs. Paula Blake-Powell, at the dedication ceremony of the Children’s Room of the Kingston & St. Andrew Family Court at their Duke Street offices.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court on Thursday June 5, 2014 reopened its renovated Children’s Room in an early morning ceremony at its offices at 55A Duke Street, Kingston. The room has been dedicated to a team of Canadian Judges who visited the island in 2012, and made a contribution to the Family Court for the renovation of the space designated for the safekeeping of children, whose parents/guardians may have matters before the court on any given day.

In her opening address the Senior Resident Magistrate at the Kingston and St. Andrew Family Court Her Honour Mrs. Paula Blake Powell, shared with the gathering that the renovations were made possible with the personal contributions Canadian Judges, who were so moved by the plight of children in the Jamaican courts, after having participated in the annual Chief Justice’s Stakeholders Forum looking at “Children In Court”. Mrs. Blake-Powell further stated that it is her hope that such an initiative will be replicated across the island, as the needs of children while at the Family Court is of utmost priority.

Bringing special greetings to the gathering the Chief Justice, The Hon. Mrs. Justice Zaila McCalla indicated that the renovation of this space for children at the court signaled a step in the right direction and reaffirms the courts commitment to the wellbeing, protection and safety of children who may find themselves in the precincts of the Family Court while the matters of their parents or guardians are heard. Chief Justice McCalla has always championed the dignified treatment of children who are involved in the court system in some way. She made special mention of the Canadian team that saw a need and contributed with the help of the non-profit organization CUSO International which was represented by Country Representative, Mr. Tariq Perkins.

The new look Children’s Room has been given a facelift with the painting of the walls, tinting of the windows and the reupholstering and installation of furniture and play items for the comfort of the children who will occupy the space daily. Also on hand to witness were Mrs. Rosalee Gage-Grey – CEO, Child Development Agency, Carol Hughes – PEO, Court Management Services, Clerks of Court and court staff.