More Training for JPs

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are to benefit from additional training to better enable them to carry out their duties.

Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, said the annual training programmes, scheduled to get underway shortly, will cover a number of areas.

These include rehabilitating youth offenders; inspecting prisons and police lock-ups; and administering the proposed expanded use of mediation in parish courts.

He was speaking during Thursday’s (May 26) installation of 14 new JPs for St. Thomas at the Whispering Bamboo Cove Resort in Retreat.

Mr. Chuck said the training for the JPs is intended to “empower and strengthen” them “to rescue and restore” communities plagued by crime and violence.

“We should have at least four training sessions in each parish,” he said, noting that each JP will be required to attend at least one session.

“We are looking at making the training mandatory. We are going to insist that the JPs get the training and serve,” the Minister added.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Carol Palmer, noted that part of the overall justice sector reform strategy entails greater engagement of the JPs within the legal system.

As such, she encouraged them to “join with us in the Ministry to keep our justice system on track and reduce the stress on our courts.”