KINGSTON, Jamaica — Newly commissioned Justices of the Peace (JPs) for Manchester are being implored to carry out their duties with integrity and promote and protect the rights of individuals.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, made the call while delivering the main address during the commissioning ceremony for 33 JPs and 18 lay magistrates for the parish at Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville on Thursday.

She reminded them of the importance of judicial ethics in the execution of their functions, noting that they should be clothed in justice, integrity and fairness at all times.

Justice McDonald-Bishop pointed out that the JPs Code of Conduct has an anti-corruption mechanism built in that governs their activities, duties and responsibilities.

“We ought not to hear that fraudulent documents are in litigation and when [we] look at them, they were forged, but the signature was witnessed by a Justice of the Peace. Where does that put you?” she posited, adding that the code specifically states that the office of the JPs is not one requiring emoluments.

Justice McDonald-Bishop maintained that JPs are peacekeepers and the first point of contact for individuals seeking resolution and understanding. Additionally, she said they play a crucial role in settling conflicts and fostering community cohesion.

“You help to de-escalate tension [and] facilitate dialogue, ensuring that disputes are resolved amicably and constructively,” Justice McDonald-Bishop pointed out.

New Justices of the Peace (JPs) for Manchester (from left): Latoya Palmer, Janet Peart and Joel Nelson, take the oath of office during Thursday’s (January 23) commissioning ceremony at Church Teachers’ College in Mandeville. (Photo: JIS)

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Grace-Ann Stewart McFarlane, who deputised for Portfolio Minister, Delroy Chuck, told the JPs that their contribution will be instrumental in reducing case backlogs and ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely and equitable manner.

“By addressing minor disputes, settling cases efficiently and alleviating the burden on the higher courts, you will help to create a more streamlined and effective justice system,” she said.

Stewart McFarlane reminded the newly-minted JPs that, as community leaders, they hold a position of respect, empathy and responsibility. In addition to being arbitrators of disputes, they are also ambassadors of harmony and agents of change, the permanent secretary noted.

“By promoting restorative justice practices and encouraging dialogue, you can help to mend fractured relationships and build stronger, more cohesive communities,” Stewart McFarlane said.

Custos Rotulorum for Manchester, Garfield Green, in emphasising the importance of JPs in ensuring access to justice for Jamaicans, advised those having reservations or doubts about the role which they are embarking on to “drop out now”.

He said he was particularly proud of the first hearing-impaired JP to be commissioned, Felecia Campbell, who is a member of the Caribbean Christian Community for the Deaf.

Custos Green said he will be asking the Permanent Secretary to arrange for JPs to learn sign language to better enable them to communicate with the deaf members of the society.

— JIS