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Attorney-at-law Clive Munroe Jr has highlighted what he cites as an urgent need for reform of Jamaica's justice and mental health systems.
Mr. Munroe spoke Sunday on Radio Jamaica's That's a Rap, in response to the recent $120 million compensation awarded in court to George Williams who was wrongfully held without trial for 50 years.
Legal experts and commentators have argued that, while the government has taken some steps forward, much more needs to be done to prevent future injustices such as Mr Williams's decades-long detention without conviction, which has highlighted the gaps in policy and legislation.
Mr. Munroe stressed however that true reform requires action beyond legislation.
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He pointed to the lack of proper mental health facilities, social support systems, and legal pathways for timely release.
For too long, he said, "persons who are different, disabled, neurodiverse, have mental issues... are treated socially as being burdens."
That attitude contributed to persons like Mr Williams being in custody, he said, "because, if you look at any of the reviews that have been done on any of these persons that have been in custody... they (the reviews) tend to suggest that the persons doing the reviews wish for them to be released."
"The question then is what is the proper mode/application to release them; who will take them; where will they go; how will they be housed; what medication will they get, but simply, who should bring that to what authority," he said.
His argument is that "the government, as an act of mitigation, can lead that."
He added that, without comprehensive policy shifts and investment in mental health infrastructure, more vulnerable Jamaicans could fall through the cracks.