New Westmoreland JPs urged to serve with integrity

Western Bureau:

Thirty new justices of the peace (JPs) were formally commissioned into service last Thursday during a ceremony in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. The event brought together members of the judiciary, law-enforcement officials, government representatives and community leaders.

In his welcoming address, Westmoreland Custos Reverend Canon Hartley Perrin reminded the newly commissioned JPs that their decision to serve carried both honour and heavy responsibility.

“It has always brought a smile on my face when persons approached me with the line, ‘I want to offer myself to become a JP,’” Perrin said. “I smile because I say to myself, do they really appreciate the magnitude and weight of the task that they are offering to undertake?”

Perrin said the training the new JPs had completed was only the beginning of their journey.

“Having undergone an extensive period of training, I must remind you that that was merely a wetting of the appetite,” he said. “You form the bridge between injustice and justice in every situation. You will be measured not merely by what you say, but by what you do.”

He also highlighted the emotional and social challenges facing the parish in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, noting that communities are still grappling with loss, frustration and uncertainty.

“People need a sense of direction. People need hope and guidance. People need empathy and care,” he said. “You, my friends, must be always cognisant of these things as we interface with persons in our respective communities and seek to serve with compassion and fairness.”

Urging the new JPs to uphold the integrity of the office, Perrin reminded them that their conduct would be under constant scrutiny.

“Never allow the office to be placed in disrepute because of any failings on your part,” he warned. “Your signature and seal will take on new power and meaning.”

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Delroy Chuck congratulated the new appointees, while emphasising the seriousness of their voluntary role.

“It is a serious job and we hope even though it is voluntary, you will give of your best,” Chuck said, noting that the role of JPs dates back more than 800 years. “When it started … you never had policemen, you never had judges. So it was the justices of the peace who were appointed to ensure that there is peace and that there is justice in the community.”

Chuck said the commissioning was a recognition of character and integrity.

“Your appointment today is a recognition that you have been selected because the panel that interviewed you saw in you persons of character, persons of integrity, and persons who will uphold fairness, decency and justice,” he told the group.

He also issued a firm warning about the misuse of authority, particularly in witnessing signatures and verifying identities.

“If you recklessly or negligently witness a signature and allow fraud to take place, you could be charged,” Chuck warned. “Your integrity is high and strong. You just have to learn to say, ‘No, I cannot witness your identity. I don’t know you.’”

“You don’t have to go telling people, ‘I am a justice of the peace.’ Be somebody. You don’t tell people that you’re somebody. If you’re somebody, people will know,” he said. Chuck also spoke about Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Westmoreland and neighbouring parishes, including damage to court facilities and the disruptions to access to justice. He assured residents that the Government intends to act, pointing to international funding support to aid reconstruction.

“The prime minister (Dr Andrew Holness) and this Government is determined that it must benefit the people,” Mr Chuck said, adding that redevelopment efforts were expected to leave affected parishes “better than before Melissa”.

He also called on JPs to work closely with the police, particularly in the fight against crime and domestic violence.

“The police alone can’t do it,” he said. “A policeman cannot get every corner … . He has to get the information from you.”

Chuck further noted that illegal guns remain the driving force behind most violent crime.

“Close to 80 per cent of the killings have been due to illegal guns. We have to try and instil in them that guns are suicide weapons,” he said.

The 30 newly commissioned JPs bring the parish’s total to more than 450.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com