ROCK, Trelawny — Expressing disappointment at the paltry turnout of justices of the peace (JP) at civic functions across the parish, custos rotulorum of Trelawny Hugh Gentles has challenged 19 newly commissioned JPs to help reverse that trend. He is counting on them to set the tone for civic duty and community service.

Addressing the official commissioning ceremony at Glistening Waters Restaurant, in Rock District last Friday, Gentles urged the new JPs to become exemplars of good service, grounded in care, respect and graciousness.

“It is your duty as a JP to participate in uplifting the tone of civic life in the parish,” he stressed. Lamenting the low turnout of JPs at events such as National Heroes’ Day, Remembrance Day, Independence celebrations and national church services, he charged the new appointees to establish a new culture of participation and volunteerism. Gentles also encouraged them to serve as role models and mentors for young people by exposing them to civic and cultural observances. He believes such involvement by Trelawny’s almost 300 JPs would help build pride at the parish and national levels.

Commander of the Trelawny Police Division Superintendent Velonique Campbell addressing the official commissioning ceremony of justices of the peace at Glistening Waters Restaurant, in Rock, Trelawny on Friday. Horace Hines

“Make it your duty to come out and encourage your community, especially the young people. You are to be role models, mentors. Get a niece, get a nephew, get a cousin, bring them along,” the custos urged.

As examples to emulate, he pointed to two major annual events organised by JPs in the parish – the regiment band concert held each May to support the Curphey Home for veterans, and the annual Remembrance Day observance on November 11.

Meanwhile, commander of the Trelawny Police Division, Superintendent Velonique Campbell, who echoed concerns about civic participation among JPs, charged the new justices to become “pioneers of peace” in their communities. She urged them to intervene in disputes before they become violent, noting that two of the four murders recorded in the parish since the start of the year stemmed from interpersonal conflict.

A section of the audience in attendance at last Friday’s commissioning ceremony of justices of the peace at Glistening Waters Restaurant, in Rock, Trelawny on Friday. Horace Hines

The senior cop pointed out that aggravated assaults remain the largest category of violent crime in Trelawny, with 17 cases recorded so far this year.

“The conflicts that are going on without intervention normally lead to crime or persons being seriously injured or dead. We see where recently a son chopped his father several times. When we reviewed that matter, all the evidence pointed to an attempted murder situation, and it seems like they have been active for some time,” she said.

Newly commissioned justices of the peace mark the moment with stakeholders during a commissioning ceremony at Glistening Waters Restaurant in Rock, Trelawny, last Friday. Horace Hines

Campbell also called on JPs to make referrals to the police, Victim Services Branch and Restorative Justice Department where necessary, while also assisting with issues affecting children, school attendance and community disturbances such as excessive noise.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, who delivered the main address, urged the newly commissioned JPs to strengthen their partnership with the police. He encouraged each of them to exchange contact information with Superintendent Campbell and make themselves available to nearby police stations whenever their services are needed.

“It’s not just a signing job or a ‘profiling’ job; it comes with great responsibilities,” Campbell reminded the new justices.