Justices of the Peace Urged to take Roles Seriously

President of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica St. James Chapter, Claudette Bryan, is urging newly commissioned Justices of the Peace (JPs) for the parish to take their responsibilities seriously.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony for 35 new JPs held on Thursday (September 8) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Mrs. Bryan told the appointees that they have taken on an important task.

“I charge this group of ladies and gentlemen, who are being commissioned, not to take this position lightly. You are now part of a distinguished office dating back to the 13^th century,” she said.

Mrs. Bryan told the new JPs that through the training received, they have been empowered to offer dedicated and committed service to their country.

“This is both a graduation exercise and an induction into a new career that will certainly make your lives more fulfilling and rewarding, even though it is without monetary compensation. This will certainly empower you to serve your communities and your country in a more meaningful and effective way,” she said.

Mrs. Bryan encouraged the JPs to continue to seek out additional training in an effort to broaden their knowledge of the justice system and the role they are being asked to play.

“You are the leaders and the role models of our society and you cannot afford to let us down. Your community… parish and your country are counting on you,” she said.