Jamaican Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has issued a stern warning to the nation’s justices of the peace (JPs), cautioning them against formally verifying documents for unknown individuals to prevent enabling fraudulent or criminal activities. The minister emphasized that such practices could undermine public trust in the judicial system.
Speaking at a commissioning ceremony for 34 new JPs in St Thomas parish, Minister Chuck highlighted a specific case where a JP provided a glowing recommendation for an individual who subsequently faced serious criminal allegations at their workplace. The minister contended that proper verification protocols might have prevented this employment and subsequent allegations.
“When you sign and witness a document and verify identification of someone you don’t know, you have opened the door for corruption,” Chuck stated, urging JPs to decline requests unless they can personally verify identities.
The ceremony also featured addresses from Custos of St Thomas Marcia Bennett and Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin. Bennett emphasized the JP’s role extends beyond document authentication to include community leadership and peacemaking responsibilities. She encouraged new JPs to remain accessible to community members and model law-abiding behavior.
Henry-Martin, responding on behalf of the newly commissioned justices, acknowledged their mandate to “execute in fairness” within Jamaica’s evolving social and economic landscape. She urged her colleagues to serve with “humility, kindness, meekness, and love” to restore community harmony.
The office of justice of the peace, originating in England in 1361, requires holders to demonstrate unquestionable integrity while protecting individual rights. Jamaican JPs perform varied duties including document authentication, limited judicial functions, court attendance, bail application consideration, and providing legal counsel.