Justices Of The Peace Urged To Recommit To Selfless Service

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has charged Justices of the Peace (JP) to recommit to active, selfless service in their communities.

Addressing the commissioning of 26 new JPs for Hanover at the Grand Palladium hotel in the parish on Friday (Dec. 19), he said that too many JPs are using the title as a social badge of honour while not fulfilling the duties they have sworn to perform.

He contended that many individuals seek the title for recognition and special treatment and this often leads to arrogance as well as a sense of entitlement, with many not living up to the core duties expected of them.

“The truth of the matter is that we have far too many JPs who believe that it’s good to be a JP, but they do nothing. They just profile and with due respect, far too many of them are arrogant, pompous and believe that they should be respected,” said Minister Chuck.

“So, when the police stop them, for example, they are quick to say, ‘do you know who I am?’ I would like to say to justices of the peace, people will know who you are. If you conduct yourself with humility, if you conduct yourself with decency and civility, you don’t need to tell people who you are. People will see it in you,” he pointed out.

The Minister further cautioned JPs against performing services with the expectation of favours in return. He indicated that the office exists to assist and benefit others freely without personal gain or the need for appreciation.

He noted that while much of a JP’s work may seem thankless or go unnoticed, the duties they perform represent a critical contribution to national development and social order.

The Minister congratulated the 26 new JPs for their commitment to Hanover and the wider Jamaica and urged them to serve with integrity.

“You are also the beneficiary of training, 18 hours of training, and I have no doubt that the training has equipped you well to understand the role that is expected of you as a justice of the peace,” he said.

The Minister told the JPs that they have an important role to play in addressing crime and violence.

He pointed out that law enforcement cannot always be present in every community and as such, JPs must work collaboratively with the police to promote safety, peace and order.

Custos of Hanover, the Hon. Lennox Anderson-Jackson, in his address, called for a deep sense of duty and moral responsibility among the newest members.

He explained that JPs are expected to serve as guardians of fairness, uphold the constitution and laws of Jamaica, and act without fear or favour.

“This office is not one of privilege, but of service above self and sacrifice. You will often be called upon at inconvenient times, faced with difficult decisions and required to act with fairness tempered by compassion. May you carry out your duties with courage and humility, remembering always that the authority you exercise is derived from the people and must be used for their benefit,” Mr. Anderson-Jackson underscored.