State Minister in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, is encouraging students to embrace the principles of fairness, honesty and respect, noting that justice begins with the choices they make each day.
She was addressing students during the Ministry’s Justice Day in Schools outreach programme at Yallahs High School in St. Thomas, on Tuesday (June 30).
The initiative, led by the Ministry’s Social Justice Services, under the theme ‘Justice Fi All A Wi’, seeks to educate students about their rights, peaceful conflict resolution and the justice services available to them.
Mrs. Dalrymple-Philibert emphasised that justice extends beyond the courtroom and should be reflected in everyday interactions.
“This is an initiative that reminds us that justice does not belong just in courtrooms or in law books. It begins with each of us, in our classrooms, on the playground, in our homes, and within our communities,” she said.
Emphasising that the programme was designed with young people at its centre, the State Minister encouraged students to actively participate in the day’s activities.
“So, students, today is about you. It’s about giving you a voice and creating a space where you can learn, you can ask questions, you can share your thoughts and better understand the values that will help us all to build a fair, peaceful and respectful Jamaica,” she added.
Mrs. Dalrymple-Philibert urged the students to demonstrate justice through their daily actions by treating others with dignity and standing against harmful behaviour.
“Justice simply means that you do what is right. It means treating your fellow students fairly. You must respect the differences and stand up against bullying. Refuse to participate in violence… and you must tell the truth, even when it is difficult, and show kindness and compassion to each other,” she said.
The State Minister further reminded the students that their decisions today will help shape both their personal futures and the future of the nation.
“Every one of you has the ability to make these choices every day. As young people… you are our innovators and decision-makers of tomorrow, and the habits you develop today will not only form your own future but it will help to build the future of our country,” she said.
Justice Day in Schools travels to educational institutions across the island, providing students with information on key justice services while promoting a culture of peace and respect.
The programme focuses on three core areas – Restorative Justice, which encourages repairing harm caused by conflict; Child Diversion, which provides interventions for young people in conflict with the law to support positive behavioural change; and Victim Services, which offers counselling and other support to persons affected by crime or violence.
