KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, is encouraging Justices of the Peace (JPs) to assist in protecting the country’s recent economic gains, by standing against wrongdoing.

Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning of 171 new JPs for St Catherine yesterday at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church, the minister said that while several expansions have been taking place in tourism and other areas of the economy, they can be obstructed if criminals are able to influence community life, and frighten investors.

“If we are not prepared to stand up for what is right, then evil and wrongdoing will triumph,” Chuck said.

He emphasised that for Jamaica to experience more crime reduction and more jobs, greater stance must be taken against “wrongdoing of all kinds”.

The minister said illicit activities in the parish and the island can be reduced and eliminated with the help of JPs collectively working with the police, and exposing wrongdoers.

He told the JPs that they have joined a “noble” office, and they are expected to maintain integrity, as they were chosen by the Custos, Rev Jeffrey McKenzie, because they are of good character, and the interviewers found them to be people who will discharge their duties with honesty.

The Ministry of Justice provides supervision for the various processes involved in the appointment of people to the office of JP and ensures that records are accurately maintained.