Request for Speaker on Restorative Justice

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
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