JPs Warned Not to Accept Payment for Services

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are being strongly urged not to accept any form of payment or gifts in exchange for their services.

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, who issued the warning, indicated that these men and women are at risk of being decommissioned from the voluntary role that prides itself on upholding the integrity of the justice system.

“I am urging [other JPs], if they can find the people who are charging, then we have to decommission them,” said Mr. Chuck, who was addressing a 2024 Justice of the Peace Sensitisation Session, at Grand Palladium Resorts in Hanover, on September 18.

Mr. Chuck pointed out that the acceptance of payments by JPs tarnishes the reputation of the office, whose services are intended to be free and are governed under law.

He urged JPs to view their civic duty as more valuable than “the $2,000, the $5,000 or even the $10,000” monetary gain.

The JPs are appointed to serve their communities by performing duties, such as witnessing documents, administering oaths, and offering guidance in legal matters, all without compensation, said the Minister.

As such, he underscored that the integrity of the justice system cannot be compromised by corruption at any level.

He called on those aware of colleagues accepting money or gifts for their services to report these incidents to the relevant authorities, including the Custos, who oversees the conduct of JPs in each parish.

“I say to you JPs, Jamaica cannot move forward with so much crime, corruption and indiscipline and disorder across the land. So, the last thing I want to hear is that the Justices of the Peace are a part of this corruption,” Mr. Chuck said.

“We must look into ourselves and first of all, clean up our act while we ask others to clean up theirs,” he added.

For his part, Custos for Hanover, Hon. Dr. David Stair, pointed out the importance of JPs staying informed about the justice system to effectively communicate with their communities.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for organising the session with an invitation extended to both working and retired JPs, to update their knowledge to better serve the system.

The session was held under the theme ‘Providing Justice…Transforming Lives’.

The JPs heard presentations from the National Land Agency (NLA), Registrar General’s Department (RGD), Administrator General’s Department (AGD) and more.