(Jamaica Observer) Under the Sexual Offences (Registration of Sex Offenders) Regulations (2012) proposals, tabled in the Senate on Friday, all information on sex offenders will be kept secret and confidential.
However, there will be restricted access for select groups of persons, including the police, employers, employees and relatives, based on a three-tier information system.
The proposed regulations state that tier one information — the highest level — can only be accessed by the police, professional counsellors, prospective employers, managers of educational and health institutions at which the person might become a student or patient, a parent, guardian, caregiver, nearest relative, or someone in association with the offender.
However, in considering whether one has legitimate interest in tier one information, the registrar will have to consider whether there is reasonable cause for disclosure.
Every sex offender will be required to have his/her Certificate of Registration of Sex Offender on his/her person at all times while away from home. If the offender wishes to travel outside Jamaica, the Registrar shall notify the immigration authorities in Jamaica of his/her intention to travel abroad before the date of travel.
The process will be managed by the Commissioner of Corrections, who will designate a person employed by the service as registrar and a Registration Centre is to be set up in each parish.
The tabling of the proposals for the regulations follows public outcry against a rise in the level of sexual violence against women and children in the society.