The Workplace of the Public Defender has launched a wide-ranging investigation into the operation and effectiveness of Jamaica’s Sexual Offenders’ Registry amid mounting public concern over its transparency, accessibility, and skill to guard susceptible teams—notably ladies and youngsters.
The announcement follows nationwide outrage over the killing of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon, a scholar from Job Lane, St Catherine, whose physique was present in a barrel exterior her residence final month. Police consider she was sexually assaulted earlier than being murdered. The suspect in her dying was reportedly out on bail and had beforehand been charged with a sexual offence.
In response, teams throughout the diaspora, together with the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, referred to as for a public intercourse offender registry in Jamaica. The Jamaican authorities has later responded, saying it’s shifting to evaluate laws governing entry to the registry.
“The Workplace of the Public Defender has an obligation to make sure that legal guidelines and public techniques operate as supposed, with out infringing on the constitutional rights of Jamaican residents,” stated Public Defender Carolyn Reid-Cameron. “This isn’t only a evaluate of procedures—it’s a holistic examination of how public security instruments should align with our structure.”
Presently, entry to the Sexual Offenders’ Registry is restricted to regulation enforcement, designated employers, and people with a confirmed “respectable curiosity.” However following Kelsey’s dying, critics have referred to as for a evaluate of whether or not the restricted entry undermines the registry’s function.
Reid-Cameron outlined that the investigation will assess three important areas:
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Statutory compliance: Whether or not the registry is being operated in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act, together with its funding and administrative procedures;
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Operational effectiveness: Whether or not present entry and utilization pointers are adequately defending youngsters and different at-risk teams;
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Constitutional steadiness: Whether or not the registry maintains the suitable equilibrium between private privateness and public security as required by Jamaica’s Constitution of Basic Rights and Freedoms.
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The Public Defender’s workplace has formally notified the commissioner of corrections and the everlasting secretary within the Ministry of Justice, who’re anticipated to assist the inquiry.
A closing report shall be introduced to Parliament and made obtainable to the general public, topic to vital redactions for confidentiality and safety.
