Chuck urges JPs to be role models

Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck has charged justices of the peace (JPs) to be role models in their communities in order to pass on good values to the youth of Jamaica.

Chuck was speaking at a training session for JPs held at the Sandals Montego Bay Resort in St James last Saturday.

"You, the justices of the peace, are the people who other citizens look to, not only for leadership and guidance, but for how their children should grow up. We have you as the role models, and you must really make yourself available and be the image of the upright Jamaican citizen," he stated.

Chuck also urged the JPs to find other outstanding members of their communities to serve "because we need more justices of the peace, as the more we have, the less work for those who really give service".

The justice minister told the JPs not to revel in their status, but do the work that comes with it.

"We have a few [JPs] who extend themselves and make themselves available while a large body sit back on their verandas and enjoy the status of justice of the peace, but they are not really making themselves available to the community," Chuck stated.

DON'T ABUSE TRUST

He also urged the JPs not to abuse the trust, the confidence and the authority that have been bestowed on them.

"If you know of anyone, please talk to them [about curbing their] ways, but if you fail [to convince them], come back to the custos so that the proper hearing can be done, and, if found that you are acting inappropriately, the JP can be decommissioned," Chuck warned.

Meanwhile, the minister commended the security forces for the professionalism being shown during the state of public emergency (SOE) in St James.

"The security forces have carried out the SOE with the highest professionalism ... . It is a pleasure to pass in and out of St James, and it is because of the professionalism that has been exhibited," Chuck said.

The justices of the peace training session updated stakeholders on upcoming projects from the Urban Development Corporation, the state of public emergency and zone of special operations activities in St James, and the policies and procedures of the Legal Aid Council.