Ken Grant back at the helm of the Trelawny Justice of the Peace Association

WESTERN BUREAU:

Long-serving Justice of peace, businessman Ken Grant, was re-elected to serve a second term as president of the Trelawny Justice of the Peace Association (TJPA) at the association’s second annual general meeting (AGM), which was held at the Abundant Life Ministry Church in Bounty Hall, Trelawny, on Monday.

Grant, arguably the most well-known business personality in the southern part of Trelawny, where his family has had solid business roots dating over six decades, has been a justice of the peace since 2010. His re-election means that he remains the only person who has served at the helm of the organisation.

Grant, who is also the chairman of the Falmouth Hospital Board of Management, was elated at being re-elected, describing it as a vote of confidence in his leadership.

“I am deeply touched by your show of appreciation for the way I have led the association,” Grant told his colleagues. “I will continue to lead you with integrity as we collectively continue to serve Jamaica in the best way we can.”

In reiterating the importance of providing quality service, Grant urged the justices of the peace to take their pledge seriously.

“You have volunteered to serve, and I ask that you take your pledge seriously. Make yourselves available for jail visits, and you should make sure that you do nothing that will bring the association into disrepute. Don’t sign any document for any person you do not know “ warned Grant.

In a special appeal to Trelawny’s Custos Hugh Gentles, who was present at the AGM, Grant called for a stipend to be provided to justices of the peace who are called upon to perform duties outside of their home parish.

“I was called to serve in the Gun Court in Kingston for three days. I closed my business and bore the expenses out of my pocket. I know it’s a voluntary service, but the matter of stipend needs to be addressed,” said Grant.

Gentles had a swift answer to Grant, informing him that provisions were in fact in place for justices of the peace who incur cost to carry out duties outside of the parish.

“There are provisions for a stipend for travelling,” said Gentles. “However, there are procedures to follow. You can get the information from my office.”

Addressing his stewardship during his first term as president of the TJPA, Grant said several new justices of the peace had been installed, and others have been trained to serve in Petty Session Courts.

During the question-and-answer session, justices Mona Ennis and Prudence Beharie suggested that the role of justices of the peace should be clearly defined.

“It is most unreasonable for members of the public to be calling at your home at 10 p.m. I need to enjoy some warm time with my husband,” said Beharie. Her comment elicited much laughter from her colleagues, and supportive comments from Ennis.

However, businessman Paul Patmore, who did not share the sentiments expressed by Beharie and Ennis, said he believes that once duty calls, the justices should be ready to respond.

“If you take the oath, then you should be available 24-hours, “ said Patmore, whose remark drew a mixed response from the gathering.