TRELAWNY, Jamaica—Reverend Junior Rutty has been elected president of the Trelawny Justices of the Peace Association, pledging to strengthen member engagement, foster greater harmony and ensure the organisation makes a meaningful contribution to the parish.

Rutty was elected at the association’s annual general meeting held at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny on Thursday.

In his address, he described his election as an opportunity to serve rather than an elevation in status, emphasising that his success would be measured by the difference made during his tenure.

“I accept this office not as a position of prestige, but as a position to serve,” he told members.

He outlined several priorities, including improving participation at meetings, reconnecting with inactive members and strengthening collaboration among the association’s zones. He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that members feel included, valued and appreciated.

“An association cannot be strong if its membership is disconnected,” Rutty said, while pledging to promote effective communication, accountability and transparency and keep service at the centre of the organisation’s work.

Encouraging members to maintain a spirit of cooperation and work towards common objectives, he said the association’s progress would depend on the collective commitment of its membership.

“The election may have placed me in the president’s chair, but it is our collective commitment that will determine the success of this association,” he said.

Rutty added that he hoped his leadership would be judged not by the number of meetings held or positions occupied, but by tangible contributions to the association and the wider community.

“My desire is that at the end of my tenure, we will not simply say that we had good meetings or occupied positions, but that we made a meaningful difference,” he declared.

Custos of Trelawny Hugh Gentles congratulated Rutty and his executive on their election, expressing confidence that the new leadership would advance the association’s objectives.

“I look forward to, as always, working with them to further the objectives of the association, which is for us to create one strong, united body for the parish, delivering quality service to the citizens of Trelawny,” Gentles said.

He expressed optimism that Rutty would provide engaged leadership and that the coming year would see significant progress in advancing the association’s priorities.

Rutty takes over from Kenneth Grant, who did not seek re-election and was recognised for his yeoman service during his tenure. A citation read on Grant’s behalf paid tribute to his contribution to the association.

The new president will be supported by two vice-presidents, Devon Brown and Dahlia Brown Dawson; Paula Barrett Reid, public relations officer; and Marviet Webb Newman, secretary.