| Traveling to Jamaica can be difficult, especially when | | | | to. There is some serious price gouging going on, and |
| you are unaware of your rights. Difficulties at times | | | | allowed only where persons do not educate |
| present themselves only after you've decided to | | | | themselves on their rights, regardless of the length or |
| stay on in the country for extended periods, of say | | | | nature of your stay. |
| more than two weeks. Even more challenging is the | | | | My advice on this is that you get involved with the |
| onslaught of high prices, where you do not | | | | Rent Assessment Board from DAY One of your |
| beforehand equip yourself with knowledge. This goes | | | | planning on living/staying in Jamaica, however |
| for residence of any kind. | | | | temporary. |
| Rest assured though you can have fun, legally as you | | | | A case in Court may take years to resolve, so |
| explore Jamaica's culture through living like a Jamaican | | | | prevent the headache by first empowering yourself |
| - something that tours do not offer. | | | | through contact with the Rent Board. Currently they |
| An easy way of understanding Jamaicans, is by | | | | have two offices. Their New Kingston office number |
| visiting one of our courthouses for a day. Whatever | | | | is 501-2905. |
| the case especially in the Resident Magistrates Court, | | | | Bear in mind that although laws are being amended it |
| humour is a definite side order as even Jamaicans | | | | would suit you to make good preparations whether |
| themselves get educated through their own court | | | | independently or with the help of a lawyer should |
| experiences. | | | | you have a case in court. |
| The three most popular courthouses are in Kingston. | | | | A legal experience with lawyers is an entirely |
| Both the Resident Magistrate's Court (court at first | | | | different story, but research is a MUST before |
| instant and for small claims) and the Supreme Court | | | | securing one ESPECIALLY in Jamaica. |
| (highest court) are located in downtown Kingston, | | | | The Bar Association of Jamaica is a good point of |
| while the Criminal Court is in the Half-Way-Tree area. | | | | contact, but they wont advise you on which lawyer |
| If allowed, you may want to indulge in spending a | | | | to choose. |
| day with a police officer, especially a traffic cop. | | | | Three good lawyers are Alexander Williams (civil), |
| Definitely amusing as Jamaicans exercise their | | | | Colonel Linton Gordon (criminal) and Paul Beswick. |
| "intellect", while some officers try to earn an extra | | | | Dwane Forbes, although not an attorney-at-law |
| dollar on the streets through an illegal hustle. But | | | | works very well as a paralegal, and can assist with |
| there are good cops and it would be in your best | | | | legal paperwork. Owning over 12 years experience as |
| interest to know the difference. More importantly, | | | | a paralegal, he currently manages the office of |
| know your rights so that you can avoid a hustle or | | | | Lightbourne and Hamilton. All are excellent also in any |
| illegal hassle. | | | | cases involving large sums of money. |
| Either way it would suit you to know your rights - | | | | Judges especially at the Resident Magistrate level can |
| your shield against crafty Jamaicans. | | | | be quite emotional and thus persuasive in securing |
| AS a start visit the website of the Ministry of Justice | | | | consent for a number of cases thus reducing the |
| and explore the laws of Jamaica. Be aware though | | | | need for trial. However a sound knowledge of the |
| that, as unique as our culture is, so too is the | | | | law yields great rewards, as you may find that initial |
| application of the laws. | | | | consent is not the best way especially when |
| You may find that a number of the existing laws are | | | | responding to a claim by scheming Jamaicans. |
| not being practiced or upheld as written. Even more | | | | You may find that more than your ability to argue, is |
| exciting is the slant to a few of them. One such | | | | the need to rely on your own good sense of |
| example is the relationships between landlords and | | | | judgment and logic. |
| tenant, mostly due to the fact that there are far | | | | KNOW YOUR RIGHTS especially when you are in |
| more tenants than landlords. Landlords have a field | | | | Jamaica! |
| day, while some delinquent tenants give them reason | | | | All the best till my next article! |