'Noble honour to serve Rose Heights'
Published:Saturday | September 24, 2011 | 12:00 AM
... Newly sworn JP vows to work for improvement of the community
Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Amid life's hard-fought journey to success, 36-year-old Robert Coates, a pastor, father, and guest services manager at Secrets Resorts and Spa in Montego Bay, continues to chart a path of excellence with his appointment as a justice of the peace (JP).
Coates was among the 42 people recently commissioned as JPs for the parish of St James at The Wexford Hotel in Montego Bay.
"This is a noble honour - to serve my community, Rose Heights, the place that I was born and raised. It is another milestone achievement, not only for me, but for the community, who can know that good things can come from Rose Heights," he said.
The second of eight children, Coates explained that his parents had insurmountable financial challenges as he grew up, but he was nurtured in a Christian home.
Challenges used to motivate
Nevertheless, his humble beginnings and challenges as a youngster motivated him to excel and be a testimony to persons from the violence-prone Rose Heights area that success is within the grasp of everyone, it is only for them to reach out and grab it.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Robert Rainford urged the newly appointed JPs to ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected.
"With the new Bail Act, I want to implore you not to allow the rights of citizens to be trampled. Report any incidents to the Ministry of Justice where a person is held in lock-up for more than 72 hours without being charged," said Rainford.
He reminded them that they play an integral role in the process of restorative justice, and the justice system, by extension. As such, he said, they needed to get involved and be part of the transformation process in the administration of justice.
"Don't just take your seals and have them at home and put JP on your business cards because it looks nice. I am challenging you to be part of the justice ministry's transformation process. Help the youngsters within your community. Help us to transform the nation," Rainford charged.