Executive Director of National Integrity Action (NIA) Professor Trevor Munroe has commended investigators, prosecutors, judicial officers, and jurors who are working to reduce crime and corruption, thereby enhance citizen security and safety.

Professor Munroe was addressing the justices of the peace sensitisation session at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, yesterday.

He noted that over the years, the NIA has been instrumental in facilitating members of various groups, such as police and functionaries in the courts, in special training programmes.

He revealed that between 2017 and 2018 the NIA engaged over 250 police investigators and prosecutors in anti-gang training.

Professor Munroe said the NIA is encouraged to see the beginning of the fruits of this training and protracted advocacy for significant changes in governance.

He cited as an example, proposals by Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke, to reduce partisanship and misconduct on public boards by basing selections, nominations and approval of board members more on the basis of merit and with continuity across administrations.

He also noted that the backlog in the courts is being slowly cleared, with the achievement of a case clearance rate of 103 per cent as of November 30, which means that for every 100 cases coming in, 103 are cleared.

Professor Munroe also noted that Andre Bryan, otherwise called Blackman, along with 45 other alleged Clansman gang members, will appear in court, on Thursday December 19.

Also noted was that next month, alleged members of the King’s Valley gang, based largely in Westmoreland, will be brought before the courts, and a verdict is due to be handed down in relation to the recent trial of the Uchence Wilson gang.

He added that the NIA is encouraged by the recent conviction of Tesha Miller.