MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Seventeen lay magistrates along with eight people who have supported the Manchester Chapter of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica (LMAJ) were on Thursday awarded for their sterling contribution as guardians of justice.

Dr Wendy Freckleton, who was returned as president of the Manchester LMAJ Chapter, lauded members for their service.

“We serve and we serve diligently and we serve with integrity and we ensure that whatever it is that we do reflects the membership of this organisation. As I went through the past year there have been instances that I have been tested. There have been a lot of trials and everybody knows. I don’t want to discuss it here, but we know of the challenges we face…and I can tell you, to lead this organisation at a time when there are so many forces against us and to have a room like this it is remarkable,” she told the Manchester LMAJ Chapter annual general meeting at Golf View Hotel.

Freckleton’s comments follow a long-standing difference between the LMAJ and Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck over the push to establish justice of the peace associations across the island despite objections from the LMAJ.

President of the LMAJ Lyden “Trevor” Heaven, who has repeatedly objected to the proposal, encouraged lay magistrates to stand firm.

“We have indeed come a long way, so as we reflect on the challenges and the achievements, our role as lay magistrates and justices of the peace is more vital now than ever in our judicial system, bridging the gap between law and community,” he said.

“We serve not just as adjudicators, but as ambassadors of justice. We serve as peacekeepers in our communities. Ensuring that the principles of fairness and equity are upheld in our society,” Haven added as he lauded the Manchester LMAJ Chapter.

“This year has presented us with both challenges and opportunities. We have witnessed an increase in community engagement. It is heartening to see us respond to the call by playing our part in the judicial process. The Manchester Chapter indeed has stood tall…it is the envy of many other parishes,” he said.

“However, I must also acknowledge the hurdles we face. The increasing case-loads and resource limitations that put a strain on the capacity to deliver timely justice within the court system, it is imperative that we advocate for more support and more resources enabling us to perform our duties more effectively,” he added.

Principal Director National Integrity Action Danielle Archer urged the lay magistrates to continue their pursuit of justice.

“As guardians of justice, agents of change who are called to a higher purpose, let us be true to our purpose and continue to serve this nation, heart and soul above all else,” she said.

“You build trust between the people and the State. You bridge the gap where democracy and bureaucracy feels distant and you help justice to be human again. You are where the law meets the people. In a parish still finding its footing after the decline of bauxite where the soil remembers industry… we are existing in a parish where the people now seek a new identity, your work carries even greater weight,” Archer added.

She said the south-central parish is being watched closely.

“The eyes of the nation are on the parish of Manchester. From this place you must be able to ensure, encourage, and inspire leadership that measures the values of what you hold dear as a Jamaican and equates to what you describe as commitment to civic duty,” she said.

Senior parish judge for Manchester Michele Salmon also pledged support for the LMAJ.

“I am not here in a political point, but I hear the minister of justice indicating that there is the possibility that the threshold in terms of the types of matters that are given to the parish court will be increased…I know those matters that go before the Lay Magistrates’ courts, if they are increased I know right now that the cohort of persons who have been rostered to come to court have the capacity to do so, but where you do not have it I am pledging my cooperation to help you understand the system as we try to determine this timely delivery of justice,” said Salmon.