Young schoolteacher among 33 new Trelawny JPs

Western Bureau:

Twenty-seven-year-old schoolteacher Phelesia Ricketts-Graham, who had always harboured ambitions of becoming a justice of the peace (JP), was among the 33 persons commissioned into office during an installation ceremony for new JPs in Trelawny last Wednesday.

Graham was one of three persons under the age of 45 years old who were commissioned in a ceremony presided over by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck and President of the Trelawny Lay Magistrate’s Association, businessman Ken Grant. The other two persons are 40-year-old Trevor Burnett, and 43-year-old Natanish Hines.

“In my district of Jackson Town, I have seen how difficult it has been for young people to acquire the services of a justice of the peace,” said Ricketts-Graham. “When I was told of the age limit, I decided to apply, and here I am today.

“I intend to use this new office to encourage volunteerism. It is a lost aspect of our society. From the way I live and the way I expect to serve, I hope to motivate others to aspire to become a justice of the peace.”

Burnett, whose mother is a justice of the peace, said he grew up seeing people coming to the family hardware store to get their documents signed by her, so from a young age, he decided he would like to serve in that capacity as well.

“Every day I see people coming to my mother for services. I felt a bit of jealousy and thought that when I grew up, I want to be like her. I didn’t apply, but was recommended, and I accepted with glee,” said Burnett.

Hines, who is the 4-H parish organiser for Trelawny, believes that based on his role in the parish, he is in a good position to function as a justice of the peace.

“I have to deal with young people right across the parish. On many occasions, I am asked to provide the service of a JP. I applied and, on research, I found out the wide range of services a JP can be involved in. I intend to throw my all into giving quality service,” said Hines.

In bringing greetings in his capacity as head of the lay magistrate’s association, Grant urged the new JPs to treat their appointment seriously.

“Make yourselves available for service. The police are always needing your involvement, especially in question-and-answer [sessions]. Give your numbers to the police so they can call you,” said Grant. “I implore you to keep a record of all the services you give. Right now, since 2024, I have 720 persons to whom I have given service.”

In his address, Chuck urged the new JPs to make use of the Justice Centre, which offers a range of services that they can utilise in delivering quality service.

“The centre has many social services. The more you know, the better the quality of service you may offer to the 79,000 population in this parish,” said Chuck.

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