TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Custos of Trelawny, Hugh Gentles, has revealed that the parish now boasts 243 justices of the peace (JPs), following the appointment of 66 new members over the past two years.

However, he emphasised the ongoing need to strengthen the recruitment process, particularly in underserved areas.

“Since the start of 2025, we have had one resignation, seven JPs that are too infirmed to carry out their official duties, and two have migrated. Nevertheless, we continue to move forward,” Gentles stated.

“I’m happy to inform you all that 66 JPs have been appointed over the last two years—a clear indication that we are committed to building capacity,” he added.

Gentles explained that the current JP-to-population ratio in Trelawny stands at one JP per 300 residents, based on a population of 74,000. He praised the progress but acknowledged the need for further recruitment.

“We now have 243 JPs in the parish out of a population of 74,000, which translates to a JPs to population ratio: one to 300 and this shows we’re doing well, but there’s still need for increased recruitment, especially in South Trelawny and some rural areas in North Trelawny,” he said.

He noted that interviews are ongoing with prospective candidates to help fill these gaps.

“So we continue to interview prospective candidates to increase our numbers overall and in particular to fill the gaps in the areas that are underserved,” Gentles explained.

He was speaking at a sensitisation session for JPs in Trelawny, hosted by the Ministry of Justice at the Royalton Blue Waters Resort on Wednesday morning.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck echoed the call for an increase in JP numbers, both in Trelawny and across the island, to improve accessibility and service delivery.

“Really and truly, Trelawny is a growing parish and really should increase. In fact, I have been encouraging parishes to double their numbers—some parishes have doubled their numbers over the years—so that each parish can have 500. Because as you have seen, and as a few JPs have expressed to me, people come to them for assistance and because they don’t know them they are unable to give them assistance,” Chuck said.

“But what would be useful is that if they can identify that in your community there is JP so and so, ‘Do you know that JP?’ They can refer the parties to JPs,” he continued.

Chuck urged current JPs to recommend individuals they believe have the necessary qualifications and character to serve.

— Horace Hines