The Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI) and the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, have formalized a landmark partnership to design, develop, and implement an Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for Jamaica. The contract signing ceremony, held on November 12, 2025, marks a significant achievement in advancing South-South Cooperation. The IECMS system to be exported to Jamaica was benchmarked on Rwanda's successful experience and is consistent with Rwanda’s Digital Transformation Agenda and RCI's Strategic Goal of sharing Rwanda’s intangible assets with other countries.

A Bold Step Towards Digital Justice and Governance

The implementation of the IECMS represents a bold step toward the digital transformation of Jamaica’s justice system. The Honorable Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck KC, MP, emphasized that the initiative is "a decisive step toward the digital transformation of Jamaica’s justice system — one that will further improve efficiency, transparency, and access to justice for all Jamaicans".

The core belief driving this is that this is not just about technology, but about vision, leadership, and the collective determination to strengthen justice and governance through digital transformation. The system is intended to accelerate the delivery of justice and support the ongoing backlog reduction program.

The integrated design of the system will connect institutions, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and reduce inefficiencies that often hinder the timely resolution of cases. Minister Chuck highlighted that the IECMS will allow for "real-time data sharing" between key justice institutions and "accelerate the delivery of justice". This will empower citizens by ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done transparently and efficiently.

The overall project duration will not exceed thirty-seven (37) months, including seventeen (17) months for implementation and twenty (20) months for support and maintenance.

Enhancing Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters

Crucially, the transition from a paper-based case management system to an online digital solution addresses a major vulnerability, particularly in a region susceptible to severe weather events like Hurricane Melissa.

As noted by UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday, paper-based filing leads to institutionally disconnected case management and results in costly information gaps and delays. This system leaves vital judicial records exposed to physical loss, damage, and inaccessibility following natural disasters.

The new IECMS transforms judicial continuity by ensuring that all criminal cases will be filed, processed, and tracked electronically. By moving case information to a secure, digital platform, the system guarantees that judicial records are safe, instantaneously accessible, and protected, allowing the justice sector to quickly resume operations even if physical court facilities are damaged. This digital resilience is essential for maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding access to justice for vulnerable populations during recovery efforts.

Project Scope and Implementation Milestones

The partnership between the Client (Government of Jamaica) and RCI will focus on designing, developing, and implementing the IECMS, as well as building the capacity of the Operating Entity's staff who will use and maintain the system.

The system will be developed as a single, seamless digital platform to suit all key institutions of the Justice Sector, including the Attorney General Chambers, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Legal Aid Council, Court Administration Division, Restorative Justice Unit, Victim Services Branch, Jamaica Bar Association, Criminal Records Office, Department of Correctional Services, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The spirit of this cooperation is viewed as a "shared commitment of two nations to justice, innovation, and progress," a sentiment strongly expressed by Minister Chuck.

As the partners embark on this journey, the Minister affirmed that "the focus remains on people, trust, and impact, building not only a system but a legacy of innovation and justice for future generations."

The contract was duly signed by Ms. Patricie Uwase, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Cooperation Initiative, and Grace Ann Stewart McFarlane, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Government of Jamaica.