Western Bureau:

Custos of Hanover David Stair says the 37 newly commissioned justices of the peace (JPs) in that parish should seek to serve their communities and the parish with distinction, noting that the people of the western parish deserves hard-working and dedicated JPs.

“Do not allow the parish to get dragged into the quagmire of mediocrity and self-serving interest that seems to be so rampant in some sectors of our society today,” Stair said in his charge to the new JPs. “I do recognise that we come from varying backgrounds in terms of professions, religions, political persuasions, education and cultural norms; however, I want you to remember that as of today, you are now an integral part of the justice system of this country.”

Stair urged the JPs to work with him to improve the lives of the people in the parish and the country in general. He said for that mission to be achieved, the new JPs must be prepared to share the knowledge they have gained through their training with the general populace.

“Ignorance and lack of knowledge drive a lot of the problems that we are facing as a society, and some of us who have been privileged enough to have benefited from a decent education choose to exploit, instead of uplifting, our people,” said Stair.

The custos said he was confident that the new JPs, who were dubbed ‘The Thoughtful 37’ by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, possessed the requisite goodwill and compassion to sustain the efforts needed to guarantee the advent of a more just society.