Judge laments disturbing rise in sexual offences

"An indictment on our society" was how Justice Leighton Pusey described the disturbing rise in sexual offences across the island.

Pusey, while outlining that these cases are not new to the court, as they have been raised in the court for the last 10 years or more, stressed that the issue is now receiving wider public attention.

"It doesn't matter the age of the complainant--it is serious, whether it is adults or otherwise. But it is even more concerning when so many of the complainants are young children who ought to be looking at other things...we have an issue with crime so while we all look to see that we can ensure the courts are more efficient and that we can deal with more matters, we need to ensure that as a society, we are in the place, where we recognise that we truly have an issue with crime," he said.

Pusey was speaking at the ceremonial opening of the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston on Tuesday. He called for greater collective responsibility in tackling crime and supporting victims and witnesses.

"We need to encourage persons to stand up and give evidence... . We need to ensure that witnesses, and those who support witnesses, do not feel ostracised or persecuted for coming to court. Giving evidence should be something that is easy and welcomed." Pusey reminded Jamaicans that the task ahead is significant, but progress is possible, if institutions and citizens work together.

"We have a lot to do before us as a court, as a society, as a nation, and so we look forward to this [court] term as a small dent in the large task we have," he said.