The parish of Clarendon welcomed the commissioning of 65 newly minted justices of the peace (JPs) who will help to fill the gap of the service providers in the area.

The Commissioning ceremony took place on Friday (March 24) at the Wembley Centre of Excellence in Hayes Clarendon.

William Shagoury, Custos Rotulorum for the parish of Clarendon in his remarks reminded the new justices that their duty is to serve the people of Clarendon with integrity, refusing any sort of monetary compensation for their work.

“The role of a JP is challenging and it requires your utmost dedication and commitment. As a prospect JP, seize the opportunity to deepen your involvement in communal life. As a JP, [ensure] that you foster safer communities and contribute to the development of your community and parish,” said Shagoury.

He then warned the new justices about engaging in illegal activities that do not align with the post and would warrant the termination of their position.

“We expect this new cohort of justices to elevate the age of JPs in the parish during the time of expansion and inevitable losses due to illness death and migration,” added Shagoury.

Echoing the same sentiments was Delroy Chuck, minister of justice who urged the JPs to make themselves available to work with the police and other stakeholders as they seek to keep the peace in their community.

“You are the outstanding citizens who have been recognised and have been commissioned, you must play your part to lead and to improve the quality of life of communities and of this parish. Individually you can do a lot, but may I say collectively, you can do much more,” said Chuck.

There are 12 police stations in Clarendon. According to Chuck, each police station should have at least 10 JPs who will work with the officers when called upon.

“We have tough times in Jamaica, but we, you, us, the leaders, must find ways and means to overcome the tough times. That is the essence of leadership, the essence of your eminence as JPs, to really see how we can lift Jamaica. Lift it out of the indiscipline, out of disorder, out of corruption, crime and all the things that are holding Jamaica back,” he stressed.

– Send feedback to [email protected]