Press Association Calls for Immediate Rollback of Judge's Decision Barring Media from Silvera Case
January 26, 2024: The Press Association of Jamaica views with alarm the judge's decision to bar members of the media and the public from observing proceedings in the Jolyan Silvera murder case based on the use of her "discretion." We call for an immediate reversal of this decision, unless there is a compelling explanation and justification. If that is the case, the public must be informed what this is.
In Jamaica's constitutional democracy the principle of "open justice" is extremely important, that, is the principle that any member of the public should be free to observe court proceedings, except in exceptional circumstances. This serves as oversight for the judiciary and helps maintain public confidence in the justice system.
This is a high-profile murder case involving a former member of parliament, who is therefore a politically connected individual. It is critical that this case be open to public scrutiny to help maintain confidence in the justice system in general, and in the conduct of this case in particular.
The Supreme Court's own media protocol says "The Judiciary of Jamaica recognizes the role of the media in facilitating greater access to justice thereby enhancing public confidence in the justice system" and that "In Jamaica, court hearings are, with a few exceptions, open to the public and may be reported on."
No reason has been given why this case should be an exception to the open justice principle. We see none, and believe that in fact, this case is a prime example of one which must be carefully scrutinised by the media and the public. We therefore call for an immediate reversal of this decision.
Contact:
Former President George Davis, 876-509-7738
Former President Dionne Jackson Miller, 876-276-6599
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