With an increase in the 2011 Budget allocation for the Ministry of Justice, one department is geared up to prioritise its service delivery to members of the public this year.
Legal Aid Commission director, Mr Sunil Sharma says the commission is thankful to the Government and is working closely with stakeholders to enhance its service.
"We are working closely with our stakeholders to improve our service delivery in respect of our outreach programmes," Mr Sharma said.
"We are also putting in place measures whereby we wish to expedite our services and give priority to cases, which require urgent attention or
intervention such as Child Recovery Orders, Stop Departure Orders, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders.
"A notable expansion last year has been the civil area of assistance, in particular the taking out of probate, letters of administration, drafting of wills and the withdrawal of FNPF money, which is sent to the High Court in absence of nomination."
The means threshold of the commission has increased from $6,500 to $15,000.
Mr Sharma said this would enable more people to access services.
More awareness has also been raised in communities on services offered by the commission.
"We have embarked on our community education programmes whereby we are working closely with our stakeholders to create awareness on the range of services offered by the commission," Mr Sharma said.
The commission was established to assist those unable to afford the services of a private practitioner, therefore Mr Sharma said it was imperative for the commission to work closely with organisations linked to clients.
"We are also investing in our employees and providing them with much needed training and development opportunities so they are well equipped with the knowledge and skills required to carry out their work," he added.