Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, who will preside over the Michaelmas session of the St James Circuit Court, which opened yesterday, has expressed dismay at the large number of murder cases listed among the cases down for trial.

"On hearing the breakdown, I'm a bit terrified," said McDonald-Bishop, in reference to the 15 murders listed among the 35 cases. "I am a bit terrified because Montego Bay ought not be in this position where murder is the dominant offence; this is called the tourist capital of Jamaica."

Busy four weeks

The next four weeks will be very busy at the St James Circuit Court, as the court will have the task of disposing of the 35 cases listed, which includes 17 new matters and 18 cases that were brought forward from the last circuit

The breakdown of cases includes 15 murders, four carnal abuse cases, one case of abduction, one incest case, one burglary, two motor vehicle manslaughter charges, four cases of wounding with intent, and one application for forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Dirk Harrison, who gave the breakdown of the cases, expressed concern at the low turn out of jurors. He told the court that, of the proposed 570 potential jurors needed, only 117 were served. Of the 117 jurors served, only 33 were present in court yesterday.

Harrison said measures were being contemplated to deal with the juror issue.

"I had received, just last week, a bill in respect of proposed legislation that the function of serving the jurors be taken away from the police force and a civilian authority is slated to take over," Harrison said. "Also, the serving of summonses is to be taken over by the registrar of the Supreme Court."

Harrison also said there was no certainty as to when these recommendations would be implemented and noted that something needed to be done urgently to address the crisis.

In response to the low turn out of jurors, McDonald-Bishop said this had always been a problem and that, with the constant call for 'justice' in the society, the country has fallen short in "putting our money where their mouth is".

She, however, thanked those jurors who attended and, like many other justices who have presided over previous circuits, reminded them that their role in the dispensation of justice was critical.