Justice Minister calls for Partnerships to Reduce Crime

Justice Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has underscored the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships to curb crime and violence, as the problem could pose challenges for the Government’s attainment of economic growth and job creation.

Central to this, the Minister said, are Justices of the Peace (JPs), who can play a proactive role in helping to reduce crime.

The Minister was speaking at the installation ceremony for 14 newly appointed JPs for St. Thomas, at the Whispering Bamboo Cove at Retreat in the parish, on May 26.

Expressing concern over the extent to which crime and violence  is affecting the society,  Mr. Chuck encouraged  the JPs to support the Ministry’s “social crusade” aimed at reducing criminal activities.

“I also urge all of you to join in partnerships with the police, ministers’ fraternal, teachers, and other decent citizens who are willing to lift the quality of life in your communities. If you are all prepared to pull together to remove whatever is wrong in our communities, it can be removed,” the Minister said.

Mr. Chuck further encouraged JPs to be the “conscience” of civil society, who are prepared to demand change.

“In your own way, you have to send that signal that you are demanding appropriate behaviour in your communities, that you are demanding decency and civility, and when you know of wrongdoing, you collectively pull together and bring it to the attention of the police,” he added.