Mayors and Councillors to Function as JPs

The Government is moving to increase the public’s access to the services of Justices of the Peace (JP) with legislation that allows councillors and mayors to function as JPs.
The Cabinet, at its meeting on October 4, approved amendments to the Attestation of Instruments Facilities Act to give mayors and councillors the authority to provide verification of documents.
Making the announcement at on (October 20) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz explained that, “the amendments provide parish councillors with the same rights in this matter as the members of the House of Representatives”.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved further amendments to section 70 of the Constitution to impose restrictions on the tenure of persons appointed to the Office of Prime Ministers.
“The limited term of office will be nine years, whether or not they are consecutive.the amendment would not require a sitting prime minister to vacate office owing to him or her having exceeding the nine-year limit,” Mr. Vaz explained.
Cabinet also sanctioned the implementation strategy for the establishment of an Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) to be tabled in Parliament as a Green Paper, and referred to the appropriate committee for consideration.
“Cabinet further approved simultaneous review of the organisational arrangements of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in order to facilitate a smooth and effective separation of functions,” the Information Minister told journalists.
Mr. Vaz explained that the ERA would provide the basis for effective and independent environmental policing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement. “It will have a direct impact on the protection Jamaica’s natural environment and biodiversity, public health and wellness in relation to environmental; pollution and sustainable development,” he stated.
He said that consultations will be held with the relevant stakeholders and non-governmental organisations.