MONTEGO BAY, St James — As the latest cohort of justices of the peace (JP) for the parish of St James were handed their writs and seals last Friday, former Senator Janice Allen was among those taking the oath of office.

The St James native had held the post of Opposition senator from 2020 to 2025. She shared her reason for taking on the role of JP.

“I really should have done this a long time ago but what really pushed it was during the campaign when so many people would say that they need a JP, can’t find a JP…there was just no way I could continue to say that I am someone who believes in service without doing this,” she told the Jamaica Observer on the sidelines of the event.

She further underscored the need to increase the number of JPs in the parish to address what has been described as a shortage.

“We know how big the different communities are and how much they need somebody who they can depend on to be of this type of service to them so it was a no-brainier. Time well due. My late father would say it should have been done already and so here I am today,” she said.

Allen also attributed her decision to the work of her father Glover Allen, a former JP, as well.

“I grew up in a household where my father was a JP from I was born. I grew up knowing and seeing him being of service to the community, people coming to the house all hours of the day and night for varying things,” she stated.

She explained that they would come for mediation services; the signing of bail papers, recommendations, among others, and she saw how important that was.

“It’s something I’m used to,” she said.

Joined by 27 other new JPs, Allen explained that they are people who can contribute significantly to their communities, based on their existing roles.

“It’s a good mix of people… They are in administration, they are in retail, they are in legal, they’re in education, they’re in medicine, so these are people who are interacting with the communities,” she said.

Hotel executive Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly was also among the new JPs, and she disclosed that she was deeply humbled.

“To me, this seal is not a badge of status but a tool for service. Our justice system relies on the integrity of local leaders, and I am committed to being a bridge between the law and the people.

“My door is open to my fellow citizens and I pledge to carry out my duties with the impartiality and transparency that this office demands,” she added.

She, too, like Allen, emphasised the need for addressing the shortages in the ranks of JPs, particularly in her area of work — tourism.

“There is a current gap in the sector and as such this platform allows me to represent those employees in the sector,” she said.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck thanked the newly commissioned JPs for stepping up.

“You being commissioned today is not a national award where you put behind your name CD [ Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander] and OJ [Order of Jamaica]. JP must mean you are providing service to your community and not just profiling.

He also called on the newly minted JPs to maintain their integrity in carrying out their duties, and urged them to not allow individuals — especially those they don’t know — to take advantage of them.

Custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin also sought to remind them about being accessible to the people they have chosen to help.

Former Senator Janice Allen is all smiles as she collects her instruments of office as a justice of the peace from Justice Minister Delroy Chuck (left) and custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin.

Hotel executive Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly collects her instruments of appointment as a justice of the peace from Justice Minister Delroy Chuck (left) and custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin.