US embassy cable - 05KINGSTON1519

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001519 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR IIP/G/WHA CBARONE; INFO WHA/PDA APRUITT; INFO WHA/CAR 
WBENT; INFO ECA/A/E/WHA DSHETLER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, KPAO, JM, human rights 
SUBJECT: Request for Speaker on Restorative Justice 
 
1.  SUMMARY: Post seeks speaker for three-day program 
on restorative justice by special request from Senior 
Program Manager at the Ministry of Justice (and 
Humphrey Fellow alumnus) Leon Dundas.  During his 
Humphrey program in 2003 Mr. Dundas met the proposed 
speaker, Don L. Johnson (Juvenile Division, Hennepin 
County Attorney's Office, Minnesota).  Mr. Dundas has 
contacted Mr. Johnson who has indicated his interest 
and availability for the program.  END SUMMARY 
 
2.  Proposed Program Dates: July 6, 7 and 8, 2005. 
 
3.  MPP Strategic Goal: "Democracy and Human Rights" 
 
4. Purpose of the Program: To sensitize Jamaican opinion 
makers, media and citizens to the philosophy and practice of 
restorative justice as an alternative method of dispute 
resolution, against the background of soaring levels of 
crime and violence. 
 
The GOJ approved adoption of restorative justice principles 
by its Ministry of Justice on March 29, 2004.  Restorative 
justice initiatives since include programs by non- 
governmental organizations (Dispute Resolution Foundation, 
Peace and Love in Schools); community-led initiatives (the 
August Town Peace Project, Hanover Mediation Center); GOJ 
initiative the Peace Management Initiative; legislative 
measures, including changes to the Supreme Court rules; and 
public/private partnerships, including the Peace and 
Prosperity Project funded by USAID in the inner city area of 
Grants Pen. 
 
The Ministry of Justice seeks to knit these and other 
embryonic efforts into a comprehensive national program and 
to that end will host a "Restorative Justice Opportunities 
Fair" to take place on July 6, 2005.  Under the theme: 
"Healing and Justice Through Community Action" the fair will 
include workshops, testimonials and information booths, 
targeting community and faith-based organizations and the 
private sector - with a special focus on youth and young 
professionals.  Action plans and training sessions being set 
up through community organizations to establish the concept 
island-wide is the desired outcome.  As a restorative 
justice practitioner Mr. Johnson has been invited to be 
keynote speaker. 
 
Supporting this effort is in line with Mission goals of 
fostering civic responsibility, enhancing Jamaica's judicial 
framework, and providing a firm economic foundation for 
communities through crime and violence reduction. 
 
Note: Organizers Carol Palmer (Permanent Secretary of the 
Ministry of Justice and Humphrey Fellow), and Donna 
Parchment (Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution 
Foundation), participated in a Voluntary Visitor Program on 
restorative justice in 2003.  Ms. Palmer, the top civil 
servant in the Ministry, has endorsed the philosophy in 
remarks to the media as an important part of the Ministry's 
work. 
 
5.  Audience: Public sector and law enforcement officials; 
youth and school representatives; non-governmental, 
community and faith-based organizations; private sector, 
including young professionals; and local media. 
 
6.  Proposed topics and nature of events: Keynote speech at 
Restorative Justice Opportunities Fair (details above); site 
visits to communities working on restorative justice 
programs; consultations/meetings with GOJ officials and 
partners in the justice system and penal institutions; 
interviews in the print and broadcast media. 
 
10. Type of specialist required: The Ministry of Justice has 
identified and invited Mr. Johnson, who has indicated his 
availability and interest in the project.  Mr. Johnson's 
contact details are: tel:(612)348-6296.  His email is 
don.johnson@co.hennepin.mn.us. 
 
11.  Language: English. 
 
12.  Funding specifics: I Bucks. 
 
13.  Post program officer: Glenn Guimond, PAO; tel: (876) 
935-6053; fax: (876) 929-3637; email: guimondg@state.gov. 
Back-up program officer: Emma Lewis, PAA, tel: (876) 935- 
6009; fax: (876) 929-3637; email: lewisec@state.gov. 
Tighe