Payments to the Attorneys in the Legal Aid Scheme amounted to $14.145 million in the third quarter of the Fiscal Year 2005/2006; this when compared to the same quarter of financial year 2004/2005, is a $5 million increase. Year-to-date, the payments to Attorneys stands at just over $33 million. 

The Legal Aid Council (LAC) has always been constrained by a lack of funding, however, this quarter they have been more successful in making regular timely payments to their Attorneys. During the review period, the LAC continued its public education campaign for both the public and Police Officers with a seminar in Montego Bay, St. James in early October. Meanwhile, Police Officers islandwide continue to be encouraged to use the Duty Counsel Arrangement.

Between April- December 2005, Attorneys who appear on behalf of the Council completed 115 cases in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, 44 in the Gun Court, 65 in the Circuit Court, and 7 in the Court of Appeal with 106 Duty Counsel appearances.  The LAC continues to represent those who are otherwise unable to afford private legal representation, and plans to continue its public education thrust on the benefits of the Legal Aid Scheme.