Cabbrina Lennox, Gleaner Writer

PORT MARIA, St Mary:

THIRTY-NINE JUSTICES of the Peace were sworn in last week in St Mary, boosting the parish's capacity to deliver justice.

The ceremony was held at the Port Maria Anglican Church Hall.

Alaric A. Pottinger, custos for the parish, told the new JPs that they were no longer ordinary citizens.

In his remarks, Senator Mark Golding, minister of justice, said the funds available to the justice sector are inadequate to do all that is needed to stem the problems that face the system.

"The good news is that there are many improvements that we can achieve without spending money that is unavailable. The justice system is plagued by old and sometimes entrenched laws, procedure and practices that can and indeed must be resolved and modernised," said Golding.

The minister also told the gathering that the role of JPs are to be increased.

"We are looking for a greater role for the Justices of the Peace in the justice system for them to be taking up small cases and possible tackling offences, and indeed dealing with cases involving the prevention of the use of ganja, where a few people usually plead guilty ... ." he said.

He encouraged the JPs to stay noble to their cause and not to be affected by the corruption that plagues the country.

"Serving towards others without the expectation of reward has become a scarce commodity in our society. It is to that policy that you JPs have committed yourself in going forward," said Golding.

rural@gleanerjm.com