Another outstanding Jamaican, Professor Alton ‘Barry’ Chevannes has passed and while I am saddened by the loss, I am grateful to have worked such an extraordinary human being. His contribution to the Ministry of Justice through his chairmanship of the Jamaican Justice System Reform Task Force will change the face of the Judicial System.
“Justice as a word encapsulates even handedness and fairness, qualities that are fundamental to any self regulating social order.” These were the words penned by the late Professor Chevannes in his capacity as the Chairman of the Jamaican Justice System Reform Task Force. He wholeheartedly believed in these words and this made him an extraordinary chairman.
Already recommendations made by the Professor Chevannes-led team have come to fruition, namely the piloting of the Restorative Justice Programmes in four communities. Additionally, the establishment of an independent court services agency was recommended under the Modernisation of Court Administration. This recommendation laid the foundation for the Court Management Services (CMS) which, I am happy to report, is nearing competition. CMS will become the administrative arm of the Office of the Chief Justice, who is the head of the judiciary. The importance of this initiative is to fortify the independence of the judiciary arm of government.
Under the Modernisation plan, a Legal Reform Department was also established to enhance the Ministry’s ability to be pro-active with the introduction of new legislation and the repeal of others in accordance with the Justice Reform Policy Agenda Framework.
Over and above his Chairmanship of the Jamaican Justice System Task Force, he made invaluable contributions to a number of government-appointed committees, namely the National Commission on Ganja; chaired the Council of the Institute of Jamaica, he was a member of the Peace Management Initiative of the Minister of National Security, he also co-chaired the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development. His research on Rastafarianism greatly increased our understanding of that religion and his leadership of Fathers Inc, a support group that helped to develop and instill positive values in young men, inspired hundreds of young men.
Professor Chevannes went above and beyond the call of duty, and through his life’s work, he exemplified what it is to be “Caribbean Man” as he had an unwavering love for his country and for the region. He paid his due in a bid to effect change on the land of his birth as he knew and believed that making his country a better place, began with him, and in my view, will continue through the people he inspired.
He will be greatly missed and celebrated as a Caribbean intellectual, and an advocate for social and economic transformation, for generations to come. I extend heartfelt sympathy to the Chevannes family in their time of bereavement.
