JPs should carry out duties diligently and honestly
Published:Friday | September 27, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Recently, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck spoke at 2024 Peace Sensitisation Session and warned justices of the peace (JPs) not to accept any form of payment or bribe in exchange for their services. He further stated that any justice of the peace found to be accepting payment for their services will be decommissioned.
People should desist from seeking to bribe any justice of the peace for their services for it is wrong, against the law and totally inappropriate in every respect. Before JPs are appointed they are informed that their function and duty is totally voluntary and a free public service.
It is germane to note and state the following:
A justice of the peace must be an individual of unquestionable integrity who is governed by the Justices of the Peace Act, 2018, which seeks to promote the rights of citizens.
• A JP is a judicial public officer with limited powers, typically between the ages 20 and 70 years.
• Among their duties, JPs serve as justices in petty sessions courts; attend children’s court and drug court; serve at police stations; consider applications for bail; visit prisons/lock-ups, children homes and homes for the aged; explain and authenticate documents; aid on licensing panels; and give counsel and advice.
• It is voluntary service and no payment should be requested or accepted for service provided.
• All JPs must pay an annual fee of $1,000 to join the Justice of the Peace Association in order to become a voting member.
• At the end of the calendar year, JPs are required to submit a report to the custos in the parish in which they serve.
There are over 9,000 JPs are now serving across Jamaica.
Justices of the peace are appointed to serve their communities by performing their duties with utmost integrity. JPs should not take any gifts for performing their lawful and legal duties therein, and this is important for them to understand comprehensively.
There have been reports about far too many justices of the peace in recent times being accused of taking payment for doing their duties. I take this prominent opportunity to commend all the hardworking and honest justices of the peace serving with integrity. JPs must also ensure that they visit the prisons and lock-ups and tabulate any concern or issues which inmates may have concerning the prison lock-up areas and cells. A major part of their respective duties.
ROBERT DALLEY