Public Meeting Planned On Jury Reform
[Updated] The Southampton Parish Council is scheduled to host a community meeting regarding jury reform on Thursday [Jan 29] at the Vernon Temple AME on Middle Road.
The presentation, conducted by the Attorney General’s Chambers, is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Residents interested in attending can RSVP via email at spc244@gmail.com or by calling 747-1093.
Update 6.25pm: A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Justice is urging members of the public to attend the final community engagement session on proposed jury reform, which will be held in partnership with the Southampton Parish Council on Thursday, 29 January, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Vernon Temple AME Church, 6 Hawthorn Lane, Southampton.
“This session marks the final opportunity for residents to hear more about the proposals, engage directly with the consultation process, and share their views in person.
“Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon Kim Wilkerson, JP, encouraged the public to take part in the discussion.”
“The parish council meetings have demonstrated the value of open dialogue with the community,” said Minister Wilkerson.
“This final session provides an important opportunity for residents to contribute directly to the conversation and to help shape reforms that are intended to strengthen fairness and public confidence in our jury system.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry also reminds the community that the jury reform consultation remains open until 31 January, and members of the public are encouraged to review the proposals and submit feedback via forum.gov.bm.
“As part of the ongoing engagement process, Minister Wilkerson visited Cedarbridge Academy last week alongside MP and Junior Minister of Justice Dennis Lister III and Keivon Simons, Law Reform Policy & Strategy Counsel, where they met with a group of prefects to hear their perspectives on the justice system and civic participation.
“The engagement with students reflects the Ministry’s efforts to broaden participation in the consultation process and to reach segments of the community that are not traditionally involved in public policy discussions. A consultation session with students at the Bermuda College is also due to be completed in the coming weeks.
“Minister Wilkerson welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from young people.”
“It was both encouraging and insightful to engage with students at Cedarbridge Academy,” she stated.
“Young people are future participants in our justice system and civic life, and their perspectives are valuable as we consider reforms that will shape Bermuda’s legal framework for years to come.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Minister also noted the positive response to the parish council meetings held across the Island as part of the consultation process.”
“I have been pleased with the level of engagement at the parish council sessions,” she added.
“These discussions have demonstrated a genuine public interest in how our jury system operates and how it can be strengthened in a way that reflects Bermuda’s unique social and legal environment.”
A Government spokesperson added, “The Ministry of Justice reiterated that the online jury reform consultation is open to all members of the public. Attendance at the final engagement session is open to all residents of Southampton, and no registration is required.”
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