CORAL SPRING, Trelawny — Citing an incident in which Member of Parliament and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie was pepper-sprayed by a member of the security forces, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Claudette Thompson said it was symptomatic of a wider challenge in resolving conflict.

She has therefore urged justices of the peace (JPs) to help foster peaceful problem solving and restore public confidence in the justice system.

“Conflicts no longer centre solely among civilians, but also feature fatal confrontations with members of the security forces,” Thompson said.

Her remarks were delivered by Morgan Kelly, crown counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Cyber Crimes and Human Trafficking Unit, during the Trelawny Justices of the Peace Association’s annual general meeting at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel last week. Kelly also serves as a JP for Kingston.

Thompson noted that the incident attracted widespread attention on social media, where the repeated words of a civilian recording McKenzie being assisted by others became a popular chant, providing amusement to many. The words “They pepper spray Desmond eye” also became part of a popular song.

However, the DPP cautioned that the humour surrounding the incident should not obscure the underlying societal concern.

“Amid the clicks and giggles lay a far deeper issue. This issue plagues our nation and, by large, our justice system and healthcare facilities, among other agencies. The issue, ladies and gentlemen, is improper conflict resolution,” Thompson said.

She argued that too many Jamaicans respond to disputes, insults and disagreements with aggression, rather than seeking peaceful solutions.

During her remarks,Thompson also made it clear that the Office of the DPP could not ignore the concerns of Jamaicans who are increasingly distrustful of the justice system of which it is a part.

“Our positions in the justice system simply do not allow us to turn a blind eye. Our ears have been attuned to the cries and the calls of the people, many of whom wrestle with a growing distrust for the justice system,” she said.

MCKENZIE… was pepper-sprayed by a member of the security forces.

Against this background, she described JPs and prosecutors as partners in strengthening the system, emphasising that integrity and professionalism must underpin their respective responsibilities.

“In this regard, prosecutors and justices of the peace are allies of a common cause,” Thompson said.

She highlighted the contribution of JPs in witnessing plea agreements and statements, protecting the rights of accused persons during remand proceedings, along with facilitating question-and-answer sessions, noting that their work supports the effective functioning of the judiciary.

Thompson also reminded JPs that their conduct is closely scrutinised by the communities they serve and urged them to remain impartial and resist personal influences when carrying out their duties.

“Your every move is closely watched by the very persons you serve. Your conduct, speech, and general involvement must therefore emulate that of an outstanding citizen,” she said.

She further underscored that JPs must adhere to the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act, including requirements to act professionally, fairly, diligently and expeditiously, without bias.

Meanwhile, custos of Trelawny Hugh Gentles, in his welcome remarks, challenged the JPs to place greater emphasis on conflict resolution, encouraging them to use their mediation skills to settle disputes before they escalate.

Gentles also urged them to deepen their involvement in community affairs, participate in civic activities, support colleagues in need and strengthen the association’s unity and benevolent efforts. In bringing greetings, commander of the Trelawny Police Division Superintendent Velonique Campbell also called on JPs to become more actively involved in promoting peace and resolving disputes within their communities.

During the meeting, the association honoured former Custos Harold Paul Muschett for his distinguished public service and commitment to preserving the heritage of Trelawny and Jamaica.