Rogue JP resigns following Sunday Gleaner exposé
Published:Thursday | April 21, 2022 | 10:23 PM
Christopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has revealed that a rogue Justice of the Peace (JP) has resigned following a Sunday Gleaner exposé.
This week, The Sunday Gleaner reported that JPs in several parishes have been charging fees for their services and lying in letters of recommendation they write for complete strangers.
There was also a case of sexual harassment.
But Chuck said following an investigation by his ministry, one of the rogue JPs surrendered his seal and he is urging the others to do likewise.
The minister was speaking on Thursday following a commissioning ceremony for 48 new JPs for the parish of St James.
He has also declared that there are no plans to allow for JPs to be financially compensated for their services.
According to Chuck this would facilitate corruption.
The minister was responding to a comment by Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn that the position of a JP is not a money-making venture.
"Minister, is there any plan by policymakers to amend the legislation so that JPs can get payment or charge for their services?" Llewellyn asked.
"No, no, no," Chuck answered vehemently.
From as far back as 2015, some JPs have claimed that their cost to deliver services leaves them with no choice but to seek compensation for tasks such as certifying documents.
Meanwhile, Chick said that the National Identification System will ease some of the required services now administered by JPs.
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