‘The daily bread of human dignity’

On the very day that marks the passage of the landmark Public Defender (Interim) Act in 1999, the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) commemorated a historic 25 years of unwavering service to the people of Jamaica.

The significant milestone was observed with a panel discussion and luncheon at the ROK Hotel in Kingston, where Public Defender Carolyn Reid-Cameron, King’s Counsel (KC), offered a heartfelt reflection on the evolution, legacy, and future direction of the office.

“We were created with a simple but profound purpose: to safeguard the constitutional rights of the Jamaican people against governmental injustice and maladministration. Over the past 25 years, we have worked – quietly, diligently, and often without fanfare – to give a voice to those who have felt ignored, disparaged, or mistreated by public authorities. And in doing so, we have become a trusted pillar in Jamaica’s justice system,” Reid-Cameron said.

She also paid tribute to her predecessors – the late Justice Howard Hamilton; Earl Witter, KC; and Arlene Harrison-Henry – for laying the foundation of integrity and independence on which the OPD continues to stand. She expressed sincere gratitude to the past and present staff for their unwavering commitment to service.

During the panel discussion, participants delved into the evolving role of the OPD amid shifting social landscapes, exploring the complexities of human rights and the multifaceted nature of justice in modern Jamaica. Topics included access to justice, public trust in state institutions, and the role of innovation in reaching underserved populations.

A particularly powerful moment came during remarks by Dennis Zulu on behalf of the United Nations Country Team in Jamaica and the UN secretary general, António Guterres, who emphasised the universality and urgency of protecting human rights.

“Human rights are not abstract ideals reserved for courtrooms or convention halls. They are the daily bread of human dignity – the right to learn without fear, to speak freely without persecution, to feel safe in our homes and on our streets, and to be treated fairly and equally under the law… . These rights are not privileges for the few; they are the foundation of a just and inclusive society,” Zulu said.

He commended the OPD for its 25 years of dedicated service, calling the celebration “not only a recognition of past achievements, but a rallying call to ensure that justice and equality are truly accessible to all Jamaicans”.

Attendees also learned about the OPD’s recent initiatives, including the fully equipped mobile unit – a transformative project bringing the office’s services directly to communities across the island.

“Whether online, by phone, or in person, Jamaicans now have more ways than ever to file complaints, seek redress, and get the help they need,” said Reid-Cameron. “This is your office. If you think a government office has treated you unfairly, don’t stay silent. Call us. Visit one of our offices. We’re here to stand with you.”

Looking ahead, the public defender expressed confidence in the OPD’s evolving relevance.

“The world is changing, and with it, the nature of our work will continue to evolve. But the heart of our mission remains the same: justice, dignity, and fairness for all Jamaicans.”