Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer
Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall (right) converses with his cousin, Cyril Edwards (left), president of the Westgate Hills Citizens' Association, Montego Bay, and Kay Reuben, president of the Cornwall Bar Association at that organisation's 30th anniversary awards dinner in Falmouth, Trelawny, last Saturday. - PHOTO BY NOEL THOMPSON
WESTERN BUREAU:
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Professor Kenneth Hall says that despite Jamaica being given passing grades in upholding human rights principles as well as political and civil liberties, it is still widely held that good governance is on the decline in the country.
"Jamaica has established a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework, which relates to good governance. However, several deficiencies might be identified, including the serious gaps in the legal and legislative framework," said Professor Hall. "The underresourcing of critical institutions relating to governance and inadequate law enforcement is also a factor."
He was addressing members of the Cornwall Bar Association at its 30th anniversary awards dinner at Fisherman's Inn, Falmouth, Trelawny, on Saturday night.
By attributing acts of anarchy and lawlessness to the lack of faith in the justice system, he said that one can be led to conclude that the legislative and judicial framework in existence has fallen short of expectations.
"One of the challenges faced by our nation today is the emergence, articulation and insistence on the practice of good governance," he contended.
Professor Hall lauded the Cornwall Bar Association and emphasised that it had earned an enviable reputation among judges and the legal profession in general for contributing to the administration of justice in Jamaica.
"Let me commend the association for making its members available to provide legal aid services and assist in the various Circuit Courts in the county of Cornwall in the disposition of cases that go before them," he said.
Former Government ministers Carl Miller and Benjamin Clare, were recognised at the function for their contribution to the legal fraternity.
