Justice Minister Chuck Heads Jamaica's Team at Commonwealth Law Ministers Talks in Fiji

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, the Hon. Delroy Chuck, has travelled to the Republic of Fiji at the head of a four-member Jamaican team for the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM), with the official working visit running from February 4 to 14.

Accompanying the Minister are Solicitor-General Marlene Aldred, Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, and Paul Bailey, who serves as Director of Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

Convened under the theme "Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future," the gathering draws Law Ministers from across the Commonwealth to chart common ground and set strategic direction on pressing justice, legal and rule-of-law matters confronting member states.

In line with that theme, deliberations are centring on widening access to justice, bringing legal systems up to date, and keeping the rule of law durable amid an increasingly complicated global environment. Priority areas on the agenda include progress and new initiatives in access to justice, with countries swapping notes on what has worked and where obstacles remain, alongside law and technology, justice and artificial intelligence, and the regulation of digital assets.

Addressing colleagues during the opening session, Minister Chuck stressed why Jamaica's presence at the table matters, stating that "The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting presents an important opportunity to learn from and collaborate with international partners who are pioneering innovative justice solutions. The knowledge and partnerships gained from this engagement will directly contribute to the Ministry's ongoing efforts to build a more efficient, transparent and equitable justice system for all."

Outside the formal programme, the Jamaican delegation is also taking part in conversations on democratic resilience, safeguarding the environment, economic protections, and scrapping antiquated laws that effectively penalise poverty, among them statutes covering vagrancy, loitering, pan-handling and homelessness.

Jamaica's involvement signals its continued push for justice reform, respect for human rights, and the building of modern, inclusive legal frameworks designed to serve every citizen.