Stop it, Manchester JPs

Friday, January 20, 2012

Dear Editor,

Last year we read in the print media and watched on television the behaviour of some justices of the peace in Manchester who disagreed with the appointment of Mrs Sally Porteous to the position of Custos of Manchester. Now, January 2012, months later, these JPs seem to be at it again.

I seriously wonder if the objecting JPs remember the oaths they themselves took when they were sworn in as JPs. Have they really considered the meaning of "justice of the peace"? Do they think it is a social position to make you be noticed by the public, or do they have an example to set? What about the "peace" part of the title? Did they vow to uphold the peace or to stir up disunity? What is it that is really "upsetting" these JPs? Is it their same old story that Mrs Porteous was not a JP when she was named?

If memory serves me well, the outgoing Custos of Manchester was not a JP when he was named and was only sworn in as such in order to take up the position. And anyway, does one have to be a JP to be custos? So what is the real reason for the objection of these JPs? Is there an ulterior motive? If so, state it. And in case they think otherwise, I believe a change of government does not affect the appointment of a custos. If so, how come we have had governors-general from both sides of the political fence serve in this capacity under both political parties - and serve their country very well during their tenure with the support of the entire Jamaica?

I hear talk of the custos position being "promised" to someone else. Who promised whom? I didn't know that these positions could be "promised" or decided by petitions or show of hands. Wake up, JPs of Manchester. You are wasting precious time grumbling about nonsense. There is much work that needs to be done to make this country better. Frankly, I, a citizen of this country and of this parish, am disappointed with the behaviour of people who should know better. Perhaps we the people, the citizens of this parish, should now set about getting our own "petition" in support of Mrs Porteous, since everybody wants to demonstrate and object. After all, the parish belongs to us also!

For all who wish to know, Mrs Porteous is a true daughter of Manchester, born, bred and educated right here, first at Manchester High School and then moving on to higher education. She returned to Mandeville and has resided here in her parish over many years. She has served her parish and her country well. Her father also served this country well in agriculture and in particular, in the development of the red poll breed of cattle.

To Mrs Porteous I say, congratulations on your appointment. You have earned it by your civic duties and by your caring for the people of Manchester. You have my full support and I am sure the support of many others of this parish, even though we are not JPs and we don't get a chance to show hands on TV. We look forward to your swearing-in and to your tenure as custos!

M Russell

Mandeville, Manchester

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COMMENTS (6)

jaye green
1/26/2012

Fire Them Yes!
In 1989 when the PNP took over from the JLP there was a big demonstration about...'continuity'... so many people who were not merely JLP supporters, but those willing to sabotage every move the PNP made.
The JLP had no qualms, everyone who was considered the least political was gone within two weeks.
Why retain people who were political appointments by the other party to stab you in the back? Get rid of them.

Fabian Williams
1/21/2012

I cant recall any member of the JLP serving as GG. I am mid 40s and cant remember even a known JLP sympathiser occupying the position. But i recall PNP ones such as Howard Cooke, Glasspole and Kenneth Hall

Fabian Williams
1/21/2012

I knew somewhere in this matter there was politics. PNP win Govt so comrades want one of thier own to be come custos. Thanks ww for the insight.

0o k
1/20/2012

Nasty Politicking!

norris Richards
1/20/2012

All these JPs who are protesting should be re-vetted to find out if they are qualified to be a JPs.

wanda woeman
1/20/2012

The letter writer need not make it look unconscionable on the part of those calling for a change in the status of Ms. Porteous’ appointment. We need to look at why Mr. Lyn, the senior J.P of the parish was overlooked for the position? Mr. Lyn was a founding member of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica and served with distinction as president for many years. Why was he overlooked? Was it because of his previous association with the PNP and Ms. Porteous appointment because she was a deputy JLP mayor of Mandeville? I find it hard to believe that we are upgrading (appointing her as J.P.) to fill a slot which was ably held by the acting incumbent for many years; and we shouldn’t make it appear as if it were since the PNP win that there has been objection to the appointment.

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Stop it, Manchester JPs