Twenty-eight new Justices of the Peace (JPs) have been commissioned to serve in Portland, bringing the whole variety of JPs within the parish to 308.
Throughout the commissioning ceremony on Thursday (February 19) at Resort Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, urged the newly commissioned JPs to make sure that they’re properly knowledgeable within the execution of their duties.
“It’s essential to get as well-informed as doable… and also you’re not going to get properly knowledgeable by simply sitting and doing nothing. Leaders are readers. Get as a lot data as doable, so that you’re a fountain of knowledge,” he implored.
Mr. Chuck informed the JPs that, at a minimal, they need to additionally have the ability to information individuals on tips on how to entry data.
“The very last thing I would like you to do is to misinform individuals. So whenever you don’t know… you don’t know. However, on the very minimal, you will need to know tips on how to know. In different phrases, you will need to know what to inform individuals about how they’ll get their data,” the Minister added.
He said that the Ministry is “doing all the pieces doable” to empower JPs with data, corresponding to by internet hosting seminars and webinars.
Mr. Chuck additional reminded the newly commissioned JPs that the function requires decency, civility, integrity and character, whereas encouraging them to pursue the most effective model of themselves.
In his remarks, Custos Rotulorum for Portland, Hon. Lincoln Thaxter, congratulated the brand new JPs “for having stayed the course, gone by the requisite coaching, and have now rolled up their sleeves and are able to work within the Portland Justices of the Peace Affiliation”.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Romeo Henry, representing Commanding Officer of the Jamaica Constabulary Pressure (JCF) Portland Division, Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, highlighted the Justices’ function in offering help to the police.
“You aren’t going to be enforcers of regulation, however you will be that voice of reasoning in your communities. You recognize the individuals, you possibly can discern the individuals which might be round you, those that are keener to commit crime and people individuals who’re concerned in crime elsewhere. That is data that the police actually need,” DSP Henry mentioned.
The workplace of magistrate originated in England in 1361. It’s entrusted to an individual of unquestionable integrity, devoted to selling and defending the rights of people.
Among the roles of a JP embody testifying and authenticating paperwork underneath the official seal; performing judicial features in sure courts; attending the Youngsters’s Court docket and Drug Court docket; contemplating functions for bail; and offering counsel and recommendation, amongst different duties.
