KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) is calling on the Custos of St Andrew, Dr Patricia Dunwell to determine if former Minister of Education, Youth and Information Senator Ruel Reid can rightly continue to hold the office of Justice of the Peace (JP) now that he has resigned from his ministerial post.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness disclosed this morning that he met with Reid regarding certain allegations in the public domain and in keeping with the principles of good governance requested Reid submit his resignation which was subsequently received.

The PNPYO in welcoming the news of Reid’s resignation said in a statement just issued that the Ministry of Justice requires that a JP be a person of unquestionable integrity and is one who commands the respect and confidence of the local community.

The organisation further noted that the development regarding Reid’s resignation has only come about because of a diligent Parliamentary Opposition led by Dr Peter Phillips, who called attention to Reid’s stewardship over corrupt practices at the ministry.

“That the prime minister has seen it fit to fire Mr Reid, tells the public that what is being uncovered in Ministry of Education could very well be worse than what was unearthed at Petrojam,” the PNPYO stated in its release.

“We believe that the prime minister’s loss of confidence in Ruel Reid to continue his tenure as minister and senator is a clear indication that he is no longer suited to bear the seal of such an office as Justice of the Peace.

“With information yet unfolding, his actions may well warrant a dismissal on the grounds outlined in Section 9, subsection 4a (i and ii) of the Justices of the Peace Act, 2018,” the organisation added.