Justice of the Peace Demands Pay for Some Services

One hundred and twenty-six (126) Justices of the Peace are slated to be commissioned in St Andrew in the coming weeks. The increase reflects the growing interest in the voluntary service. But as some seek to unlawfully monetize their services, one JP is suggesting they should be paid for some services they render.

The voluntary service of Justices of the Peace (JP’s) helps to bring justice to people in a particular community. In recognizing this, 46 JPs were commissioned into service at The St Andrew Justice Centre on Thursday.

In recent times, some JP’s have used their service to turn a profit. A practice prohibited by law.

One newly inducted JP, businessman Dwight Moore knows the magnitude of the practice carries and shows the post should carry some paid services.

Ongoing violation of duty has caused several custodes to express strong rebuke for the practice, calling it corrupt and rogue. The Custos of St Andrew rushes to defend many who have not tainted the practice

Custos Dunwell also finds that since the age of becoming a JP has been adjusted more young people are assuming the role.

The 46 JP’s are the first batch of a total of 126 to be commissioned.

In early August 2021 when addressing new JPs, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck warned the JPs that honesty should be at the forefront of their duty and that they will be de-commissioned for misconduct. 

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell