PNP Wants Limit for Parish Court Cases Increased

The opposition People’s National Party is calling on the government to increase the monetary limit in the nation’s Parish Courts to $5 million.

The limit now stands at $1 million.

Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Senator Donna Scott Mottley, says increasing the limit will allow more cases to be heard in a timely manner.

She says the last increase in the limit occurred a decade ago in 2013.

Senator Scott Mottley says the current backlog of cases in the courts is a hindrance to those who must utilise the court system.

She says the government must conduct a periodic review of the Parish Court Act to ensure the limits reflect the economic situation in the country.

Senator Scott Mottley says the call for an increase in the limit will reduce the financial burden on citizens to have their matters heard in the Supreme Court, especially relatively minor matters.

Senator Scott Mottley says the proposal will also ensure greater access to justice for Jamaicans.