More Than 100 JPs Sworn in for St. Andrew

Persons in and around St. Andrew now have access to more than 2,000 Justices of the Peace (JPs), following Sunday’s (October 1) commissioning of over 100 JPs in the parish.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, St. Andrew, Minister of Justice, Hon. Delroy Chuck, implored the new JPs to ensure that they serve the public.

“I beg of you, let the words mean something, that you are going to promote justice and in your own small way assist in securing peace in our community,” the Minister told his audience, noting that over the past six years, 862 JPs have been commissioned for the parish of St. Andrew.

Stressing that their role is about “contribution and service”, Mr. Chuck said the service must be backed with humility, and “make sure that no one can point fingers at you”.

“You must be as you have been trained and taught, be of unquestionable integrity, and unblemished character,” the Minister said.

For his part, Custos of St. Andrew, Hon. Ian Forbes, said the new JPs must carry out their function with respect, fairness to all, and “get involved in your role as a JP, to make a difference in transforming lives and building our nation”.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey, called on the JPs to remain on the side of decency and a violence-free society.

“All of us must be that spark to change the subculture that continues to create havoc in our society,” Mr. Bailey said.

The senior police officer added that the commitment of the JPs to justice must be unwavering, and “we must be champions of integrity, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect the highest moral and ethical standards”.

The Justice of the Peace Act was amended in 2018 to expand the jurisdiction of JPs to allow them to serve anywhere in the island. JPs also serve in the drug court, and they are also required to visit prisons, children’s homes, and homes for the aged.

Justices of the Peace are guided by their code of conduct. The code is intended to provide effective administration of justice by promoting high morals and ethical conduct.

The law requires that the office of the Justice of the Peace is free of emolument, so any duty carried out as a JP must be free of charge.

As a means of accountability, JPs are required to file an annual report to their Custos detailing their activities over the period.