‘Report corrupt JPs’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Justice has once again condemned the “deviant” actions of corrupt Justices of the Peace (JP) who, according to the ministry, seek to tarnish the reputation of the office of the JP.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry urged Jamaicans to discontinue the practice of paying JPs for their services and encouraged them to instead, report them to the office of the Custos in their parish or call the ministry at 888- JUSTICE (587-8423).
The ministry’s statement follows public complaints published in a newspaper article over the weekend.
Noting 14 JPs have been decommissioned since 2010 because of misconduct, the ministry said work continues to expel those who habitually breach the JP code of conduct.
In the meantime, the ministry continues to work alongside the Custodes to encourage JPs to exercise their duties with the integrity befitting the office.
It said it has also been promoting the establishment of JP Parish Associations that will aid with the oversight and monitoring of JPs.
According to the ministry, individuals undergo extensive training at the Justice Training Institute (JTI) before being commissioned as JPs.
“At the JTI, they are instructed on their responsibilities as well as the standard of conduct to be exhibited by a functionary of the office. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that the service is voluntary and as such should be free to the public. In addition to this initial training, the ministry engages the JPs in regular sensitisation sessions where they are reminded of how they should behave as dictated by the JP Act (2018) and other relevant laws,” the ministry said.
Furthermore, the ministry noted that following the passage of the JP Act, JPs are no longer restricted to serving solely in their respective parishes but can now execute their duties island wide.
A full list of JPs across Jamaica is accessible via the ministry’s website, moj.gov.jm, or can be requested via email customer.service@moj.gov.jm or by contacting the office of the Custos in each parish.
