THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN ORDER to complete the processing of certain important documents there has to be verification of identity. One of the persons who is authorised to do this verification is a Justice of Peace. Before he/she signs the document, you have to be personally known to him/her.
My community has no Justice of the Peace that I know of so I have to go outside and solicit the services of an unacquainted JP to complete the task. This act may be viewed as unethical by citizens with assumedly high morals but what is ethical? I am convinced that some Justices of the Peace are aware that the criteria of being personally known to the officer is unreasonable, especially for citizens who move in and out of communities because of change of jobs, or cheaper rentals, and so do not live in an area long enough to qualify as long-standing residents. They therefore are willing to sign documents for strangers.
I am concerned about the operations of our office of Justice of the Peace and would appreciate answers to the following questions:
1. How are we to locate JPs if they do not advertise? Is it unethical for Justices of the Peace to advertise their services in the yellow pages? The only advertisement I have every seen that indicates that a JP is stationed at a location is 'Parking for JP only'.
2. Why is it unethical for Justices of the Peace to charge a minimal fee for their service? Don't they use stationery?
3. How do Justices of the Peace go about getting to know the residents in their communities? Is it a mutual duty of both JP and citizens to get to know each other? What is the protocol?
4. Are the rules stating that documents should not be signed at nights, weekends or public holidays still relevant? If this is still relevant, then what are the work times for Justices of the Peace?
5. How do we modernise the office of the Justice of Peace in a global environment whilst at the same instituting "correct" values and attitudes in our citizens? How do we balance all of this without being immoral?
When we look at corruption in public offices, does this include the office of the Justice of the Peace? Are students at the primary and secondary levels being sensitised to the functions of the Justice of the Peace? I have many questions. I really need some answers.
I am, etc.,
JANICE GREEN
webb@cwjamaica.com
Lot 293 Eltham Park
Spanish Town
Via Go-Jamaica
