ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) – Claudette Bryan, president of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica St James Chapter, has urged newly commissioned justices of the peace (JPs) for the parish to take their responsibilities seriously.

Bryan made the remarks at the addressing ceremony for 35 new JPs held on Thursday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

She told appointees that they have taken on an important task.

“I charge this group of ladies and gentlemen, who are being commissioned, not to take this position lightly. You are now part of a distinguished office dating back to the 13th century,” she said.

Bryan told the new JPs that through the training received, they have been empowered to offer dedicated and committed service to their country.

“This is both a graduation exercise and an induction into a new career that will certainly make your lives more fulfilling and rewarding, even though it is without monetary compensation. This will certainly empower you to serve your communities and your country in a more meaningful and effective way,” she said.

She encouraged the JPs to continue to seek out additional training in an effort to broaden their knowledge of the justice system and the role they are being asked to play.