MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica (LMAJ) says it is reminding justices of the peace and specifically members of the association to resist the urge to charge for their services and to live up to their professional standard of service to the people of Jamaica as commissioned to do.

The call follows the arrest of a Manchester-based justice of the peace who was held for allegedly charging for his services.

The JP was arrested during a sting operation after he allegedly collected money to sign an official document.

In criticising the actions of the JP and the negative impact it has brought to the family of justices of the peace islandwide, the association says it wishes “to disassociate itself from the arrested member as he is neither a member of the Manchester Chapter, nor is he a member of the LMAJ.”

“Our mandate and practice across all chapters across the island is to serve our citizens and communities with distinction and without charge. This latest act brings the association and the office of duly commissioned justices of the peace into disrepute,” added LMAJ President, Lyden Trevor Heaven.

He added, “The LMAJ upholds the tenets of fairness and good order in the execution of our duties to the benefit of all citizens, the office of the Custodies and the Ministry of Justice. We accept our commission with full knowledge of probity, good governance and an unreserved willingness to serve”.