Challenge 2 Being An Investigative Journalist In Jamaica: Accessing Divorce Information

I don't understand the legal basis for lack of access. Can't find in the Civil Procedure Rules. Anyone?

This might sound like it should be none of my business,
@yaneekpage
@Delroychuckjm

but this lack of access inhibits a journalist's ability to report accurately on whether persons are still married or even whether nepotism or cronyism is at play when you get a tip about a married couple with different last names benefiting from the public purse.

A new book "Newsroom Law, A Legal Guide For Commonwealth Caribbean Journalists" (attached) says in general we should have access unless court intervenes.

And yet the court told me a blanket: Only the attorneys and the parties themselves may request copies of matrimonial matters.

"No aspect of divorce proceedings are open to viewing by the public."

When I asked for the rule that supports that position, no response.
@transformjustjm

I can easily get a marriage certificate showing the union but can't get info on whether persons are divorcing? How come?

Even if you just want to know if a divorce has been filed without viewing documents? Not understanding the logic.
So we're to report that we think the persons are married? This opens us up to errors. We need to look at access for journalists.