MPs given limited powers of JPs
Published:Saturday | June 25, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer
THE SENATE yesterday passed with four amendments the Attestation of Instruments (Facilities) Act, which gives limited powers of justices of the peace to members of parliament.
The privileges given to the members of parliament are limited, according to Opposition Senator A.J. Nicholson, who said the powers are a conferral on the office of the MPs. The powers are not transferred to the individual if he or she loses the seat in an election.
"Under this provision, you will not see any sitting MPs conducting any petty session court, or things like that. It is an accommodation to attest to the authenticity of certain documents," Nicholson said.
The privileges are also conferred on a councillor of a parish council, or the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, and a mayor of a municipality who is not a councillor.