WATCH: AG Pledges Forensic Lab Expansion, Reforms to Speed Up Justice System

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin says the government is moving to expand the country’s forensic laboratory capacity and address delays in the justice system, acknowledging concerns raised by residents during a town hall meeting in St John’s Rural South.

Benjamin told the gathering that delays in court matters are often linked to challenges with forensic testing and evidence processing, which can slow the progression of criminal cases.

He said the government is working to strengthen local forensic capabilities to reduce reliance on external services and accelerate case handling.

“We have to expand our forensic capacity,” he said, noting that improving evidence processing is key to reducing backlogs in the courts.

The attorney general also addressed complaints about delays in child maintenance payments, after concerns were raised about funds not being disbursed promptly to mothers despite payments being made into the court system.

Benjamin said the issue had been reviewed by senior court officials and that steps were being taken to ensure faster transfers of funds from the High Court to the Family Court for collection.

“They are now establishing a system where monies are sent immediately, no longer than 24 hours,” he said.

The comments come amid broader national debate over the pace of justice and administrative efficiency within the court system.

Benjamin said the government remains committed to improving institutional processes to ensure timely justice and better service delivery to citizens.

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