JAMAICA | Opposition Senator Scott Mottley again calls on Gov't to address shortage of court reporters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica. January 8, 2024: Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, renews her concern over the deepening crisis within the court administration sector. The focus remains on the critical shortage of court reporters, affecting the sitting of mention courts as well as circuit courts in St. Catherine, Clarendon and St. James.

In emphasising  the severity of the situation, Senator Scott Mottley  reiterated that the shortage posed a significant threat to the efficiency of the judicial system, with the looming risk of prematurely ending court terms due to insufficient staff and resources.

Highlighting the crucial role played by court reporters in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of court proceedings, the Opposition Spokesperson says that their absence not only endangers the resolution of cases but also undermines the very integrity of the legal process and the constitutional requirement for a fair and timely hearing.

She said that the Director of Public Prosecution had indicated that the situation has resulted in delays in cases set for trial for the remanet in various circuit courts and that it is the first time in over 30 years that the remanet, which is the last four weeks of the term will not take place. 

In her initial statement issued in November 2023, Senator Scott Mottley urgently called on the government to address the impending crisis in court reporter salaries and working conditions. Regrettably, despite repeated pleas for attention to this alarming issue, the Government has failed to take decisive action, leading to unprecedented consequences.

This chronic neglect is reflected not only in the government’s failure to address the immediate concerns of court reporters regarding their salaries and working conditions  but also in the lack of a comprehensive strategy to fortify and sustain the court administration sector. The Opposition Spokesperson highlighted that the Ministry has been lethargic in its approach to incorporating digital technology to assist with court processes.  

Senator Scott-Mottley is urging the government to consider the long-term implications of its inaction. “Immediate attention is needed to avert a detrimental impact on the hard-earned advancements made in the judicial system and the timely disposition of legal matters in recent years”, said Senator Scott-Mottley. 

The Opposition Spokesperson is again calling on the government to conduct an urgent review of court reporter salaries to ensure they are commensurate with the vital role they play in the justice system as well as  provide the necessary resources to ensure the effective execution of their duties.

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