| Interviewee: Deidre S. Powell Attorney-At-Law |
Introduction: Deidre Powell is a young Jamaican lawyer who recently launched a legal research website. The website is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and will give legal practitioners, insurance companies, claims consultants and other groups the resources to search for cases containing assessments of damages for personal injuries and fatal accident awards.
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| Posted to
CJ website on: Sunday, October 10, 2004 |
| Website: http://www.pcamonline.com |
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| Q1. |
Congratulations on your recent launch of PCAMONLINE.COM. It is quite refreshing to see an invidual from a more 'traditional' profession taking such a keen interest in the use of technology and the Web in particular. Can you give us a bit of a background about yourself, especially from a technological perspective? |
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| A1. |
Well I was introduced to the dynamism of the Internet as a student in Barbados in 1995. Then I used the Internet to keep in touch with family and friends and just to explore information generally. I never used it to do research on the law as the information available was too vague or focussed more on the North American legal systems.
I returned to Jamaica and I didn’t own a computer nor have access to the Internet. I continued to use a word processor until I bought a computer, which was being thrown out by a company that I worked with on a part time basis. I remember that I went through hell as lost documents on a regular basis. I tried to hook up to the Internet and it was sooooooo slow it made no sense I was thoroughly frustrated. Alrick (one of the directors of PcaM) laughs now and says “you’ve come a long way baby”, because he was the one that always ran to my rescue when I would call him crying because I had lost another assignment! |
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| Q2. |
PCAMONLINE.COM is a legal research website that is specific to Jamaica and the Caribbean. What inspired you to embark on this project, who is your target audience and how much does it cost to access the service? |
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| A2. |
During law school, my part time job was working at an insurance company evaluating claims and making recommendations for settlements. I loved my job, but found that the research process was time consuming and furthermore there was a lack of up-to-date information. Worst, I don’t like math and so I would take a lot more time that I like rechecking the information to avoid errors.
I guess it is out of the above frustrations that PCAMONLINE was born.
It focuses on providing lawyers, insurance companies, judges, students, lecturers and anyone who is looking for statutes, cases and materials from the Caribbean. We have started with personal injury cases but we are currently working on uploading information on other areas of the law. It will become a “one stop shop” for legal research! Something that is new to lawyers here because we are so accustomed to our volumes of information on our bookshelves or in the library. PCAMONLINE is dedicated to ensure that “at the click of a mouse” your “legal research is done anywhere, anytime”.
The cost of accessing this dynamic website on a monthly basis is equivalent to less that one hour of the average lawyer billable time! It is only US$100 per month, plus GCT and a one time set up fee of US$300 for individuals. For companies with a network system annual fee is US$4,000, plus GCT and onetime set up fee of $300. All this information is available on our HELP PAGE. We however have a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER, valid until the 30th day of October 2004 – a waiver of the onetime set up fee of $300, if you sign up for 6 months or more!!! |
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| Q3. |
What has the initial response to PCAMONLINE.COM been like, particularly from those in your target audience? How have you marketed it initially, and how do you plan to market it on a continuing basis? |
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| A3. |
The response is great! The judges who have been utilizing the service have had high praises of the utility of the product. The more computer savvy and time conscious attorneys and companies have also expressed their satisfaction and gratefulness for the product. Of course, there are some who are intimidated by the use of computers and have not “catched on” to the dynamic nature of the site yet. However, our marketing team are currently working on a strategy to ensure that everyone is using this valuable and time saving tool. |
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| Q4. |
In what format (e.g. PDF, MS-Word etc.) is the site's data currently offered; was this data already available in an electronic format or was there much work and conversion involved in getting it ready for the website? |
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| A4. |
PCAMONLINE is a compilation of all the cases available via the Courts in Jamaica. Nothing was available in electronic format. Yes there was much work and conversion to get it to where it is.
The information was all garnered by our group of researchers and editors on a 5-step basis.
Step 1 – Garnering the information. The researchers visited the Supreme Court, libraries and attorneys to get copies of written judgments, examine available files, notes and medical reports.
Step 2 - Editing. The editors then create an original summary of the cases based on the information garnered.
Step 3 - Approval. Our final editor further reviews the information.
Step 4 – Input into database, review and proof reading.
Step 5 - Uploaded. The information is then uploaded to the site and also re-examined to ensure that the information on the final editing is what is available to our clients.
All this information is typed into the database. The actual written judgments, which will be available for download, are being converted to ensure the quality of the information. It is a lot of work, but we at PCAMONLINE are dedicated to ensuring that our clients are satisfied and SAVE TIME! |
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| Q5. |
How comprehensive is the site's research database (for example, how many cases are contained within) and how often is it updated with new data (is there a plan to include new/additional cases on a regular basis)? |
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| A5. |
We have a database based all areas of the law including personal injury, fatal accident, civil procedure, libel, industrial disputes, criminal, family etc. We are uploading information for the past and present on a daily basis. Cases and materials are available on a daily basis and so this is an ongoing process. Our feature case is usually one of the latest cases, which have been uploaded. This is changed at least on a monthly basis. We are proud to say that the case of Clinton Bernard v. Morgan & The Attorney General of Jamaica, a landmark decision was uploaded to our site within 24 hours after delivery of the judgment. That demonstrates our commitment to ensure that information is available to our clients in a prompt manner. |
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| Q6. |
What technology (including databases) do you use to handle the 'backend' of the the site's functions, and were you able to do this yourself or did you hire a particular company or individual to handle it for you? |
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| A6. |
Now we are talking technology!!! I have the ideas and I hire a company to create the back end. They have done a marvellous job in making my dreams a reality. |
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| Q7. |
A recent article about the launch of PCAMONLINE.COM stated that it is "e-commerce capable". How is this e-commerce processing currently done, and is it through an overseas or local institution? |
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| A7. |
We have made contact with both local and overseas companies to make this service available to our clients. However, based on the cost (the international service was more reasonable, believe it or not) and the fact that we are only focusing on the Jamaican market for the next few months, we have postponed this service for a while. Once we go into the other Caribbean islands to market the product then we will make the service available. |
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| Q8. |
How do you currently integrate your own fulltime job as an Attorney with the demands of running a website such as this? |
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| A8. |
My motto “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!” It is hectic, but I manage with the help of a committed, capable and supportive staff and support team. |
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| Q9. |
What are your long term plans for the website and how do you envision it being integrated into the day-to-day activities of Jamaica's legal professionals as well as the legal system itself? |
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| A9. |
PCAMONLINE is new and dynamic. It is for the professional who is conscious about efficiency and productivity! It is hoped that everyone will become that way to facilitate a more efficient legal system here in Jamaica and the Caribbean. It is hoped that we will spend less time on research and focus on developments and positive changes in the law. By that I mean less time on looking to the past and more time on ensuring that we make positive changes to improving our legal system and laws to create a better society. We need to focus more on productivity as a nation and doing things more promptly. There are so many things to be done with little time to do them. With the use of technology we can do much more.
I am hopeful that with time all professional will be utilizing the site. I am encouraged because most students now have a computer of their own and so with time everyone will want to spend less time leafing through text when there is the a facility as PCAMONLINE. It’s just like the calculator. It’s a calculator and more! In fact there are calculators, dictionaries, diagrams of the body, statutes cases and materials available on the site. Imagine your life now without a calculator? I can’t live without it! With time, professionals will be saying the same about PCAMONLINE! |
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| Q10. |
PCAMONLINE.COM is undoubtedly a good example of a site that offers organized, useful, indigenous, Jamaican web-based content and statistical data. What do you think would be a good motivating factor(s) to encourage others (including the Government) to do similar sites for other professions and industries? |
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| A10. |
The Government has made significant steps in this regard. The Minister of Justice, The Hon. AJ Nicholson, emphasized this at the launch by making reference to sites such as the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice. In fact if you visit www.jamaicanlawyer.com there is a link from that site to some of their sites. The various Ministries are making information available for the public via websites. We are getting there. |
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| Q11. |
You also have another website, JAMAICANLAWYER.COM, the official website for your legal practice. How has this website helped your practice and have you actually gained new clients who have found you via the Web? |
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| A11. |
The site has attracted people both locally and internationally with questions of every nature. Believe it or not I’ve had questions about recommending hotels and tours! I wouldn’t say it has bolstered as much business as I anticipated, but it’s good to know that it is a reference point for people. In fact I am working at redesigning the site to do more. |
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| Q12. |
How do you view the current level of interest in and application of technology (from the use of computers to the use of DNA evidence) to improve accuracy, speed and efficiency at all levels of Jamaica's legal system? Where are 'we' now and where will 'we' be in another 5 to 10 years? |
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| A12. |
As indicated previously we are a little slow in this area. I think lack of resources is the problem. But if the government brought back the waiver of GCT on computers, and their campaign to ensure that a computer is available in most households, then people would not be so intimidated by technology and utilize it to be more efficient in all areas of our life. The people will be more conscious of technology and it’s use and application. In fact, when people are aware of the implications I’m sure they would think twice about the crimes they commit, as they know they would be caught.
It is hoped that in another 5 or 10 years our police force, judges and lawyers will be properly equipped with the technology and the “know how” to carry out more sophisticated and accurate investigation to ensure prompt resolution of cases. |
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| Q13. |
For a few years now, a lot has been promised but not delivered in terms of Jamaican e-commerce legislation. What factors do you think have contributed to this delay, and do you think the lack of legislation such as this has affected the technological advancement of the island? |
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| A13. |
Inefficient uses of resources. Time and money are valuable resources too many professionals waste it. The result.... lack of information and money to expand into these areas. We need a complete re-examination of how we allocate our resources as a country and ensure that it is managed efficiently to effectively deal with not just mistakes of the past, but focus on creating better future. I don’t want to get political, but our government need to start dealing with our country as a business and deal with our resources accordingly. We don’t need promises, we need to see quality leadership to inspire young people to achieve more and be proud of their country. |
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| Q14. |
What are your thoughts on other fairly recent technology issues that relate to Jamaica such as: (a) the reintroduction of taxes on computers and computer parts by the Government in 2003, (b) increasing numbers of low-tech call centres setting up operations in Jamaica, (c) the relative high cost of local high-speed Internet access when compared to other developing and developed countries and (d) any other related issues that you would like to comment on. |
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| A14. |
The government seems to have ideas, but the know how to implement them are lacking. So we have a situation where there is 1 step forward and 10 steps back! Have they examined the effect of the policies that they have implemented? Where are these reports? Have they been examined with a view to make a difference in society?
Cable and Wireless still has a significant level of monopoly on the market in spite of the so call liberalization. Sure there are other Internet providers, but whose system do they inevitably have to rely on? Cable and Wireless the sole provider of landlines. The government need to focus on attracting investors who can make a difference in our society to provide affordable, efficient information and technology to our island and train our people to develop these technologies for themselves. |
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| Q15. |
If you are at liberty to share, what other Internet-specific plans are on your immediate as well as long-term horizon? |
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| A15. |
Those have been mentioned above. That is making cases, materials, for all areas of the law and Statutes from all the Caribbean islands to people both locally and internationally. We have a five-year plan, which we hope with the support of others in the profession, we can provide a valuable resource to all. |
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| Q16. |
On a personal note, what high school(s) and universities did you attend, and what roll (if any) did these institutions play in helping you to be where you are today? |
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| A16. |
I am proud to say that I am a product of Hampton High School. I have fond memories my life there, which influenced all areas of my life. At 17 years old I was a prefect in charge of a dormitory of 30 students. I was also either the president or on the executive committee of most clubs. That taught me to lead and come up with ingenious ways to manage and relate to people of different background. I also learned to be independent and focussed.
I received a Bachelor of Science in International Relations for the University of West Indies in 1994. In pursuing this degree I pursued courses in Management studies to receive a double major, but it was not so declared, as this was not an option at the university then. I however find that these courses have helped to shape my keen business sense and entrepreneurial skills.
I worked with an insurance broker and insurance company after graduating from UWI and attended the College of Insurance where I pursued some of their courses before attending the UWI Cave Hill Campus and Norman Manley Law School to pursue legal studies.
All the above training and experiences have no doubt shaped my personality and given me the knowledge necessary to be what I am today and have inspired PCAMONLINE. |
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| Q17. |
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| A17. |
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