A public consultation on proposed changes to the island’s jury system has been extended to the end of this month.

Measures being considered include reducing the number of jurors required for trials and expanding the jury pool by increasing the eligible age for service and reducing exemption categories.

The consultation, launched last year on forum.gov.bm, was originally set to end on December 31, 2025.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said the decision to push back the end date reflected the Government’s commitment to broad and meaningful public engagement.

She added: “Extending the consultation period allows us to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are considered.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has participated in the consultation so far, including those who attended parish council meetings and those who took the time to engage with us through public forums and media discussions.

“Their contributions are valued and form an important part of this process.”

Ms Wilkerson said that the ministry would host an engagement session this month at CedarBridge Academy focused on “introducing senior school students to the role and importance of juries” and inviting their perspectives on the issue.

She noted: “The feedback we have received to date from public meetings, online submissions and radio discussions has already been insightful. This continued engagement will help shape meaningful change.

“We believe that engaging students at this stage allows us to better understand how young Bermudians view civic responsibility and participation and those insights can help inform a reformed jury selection system that reflects the society it serves.”

She urged interested members of the public to review the consultation documents online and submit their feedback before January 31.