Justice Ministry to Launch 2017 Training for JPs

The Ministry of Justice will launch its 2017 training for Justices of the Peace (JPs) on February 2, at the Jamaica Conference Centre, in downtown Kingston.

More than 1,000 JPs are expected to attend the launch, which will also serve as a sensitisation session.

Director/Principal of the Justice Training Institute in the Ministry, Karen Campbell Bascoe, said registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with presentations expected to get underway at 10:00 a.m.

She highlighted that Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who is in charge of the JPs, will be in attendance.

Also attending and presenting to the JPs will be the Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, as well as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Carol Palmer.

Presenters at the session will be from the Registrar of Titles Office; the Administrator General’s Office; the Office of the Children’s Advocate as well as the National Integrity Action.

The Director/Principal explained that the Ministry of Justice “has the responsibility to assist with the training of the JPs who work and assist us within the Justice system.”

“I am encouraging all JPs to come out, as it will be a huge affair, which will set the pace as we move forward to provide our JPs with the requisite skills and knowledge that they will need to carry out their functions,” she said.

Mrs. Campbell Bascoe said the Ministry hopes to train 500 JPs in Mediation as well as Restorative Justice throughout 2017.

The JPs will also be trained in matters as they relate to the Children’s Court; the role of JPs on the Spirit licence panel; and as well as for the Petty Sessions Court.

She said the Ministry is aiming to have 3,000 new JPs by the end of the calendar year.