THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE POSITION of Justice of the Peace is an honourable one which must not be taken lightly. Our involvement in community activities was a prerequisite for being commissioned, therefore our continued involvement is a moral imperative which should not be shirked.
The original concept of a Justice of the Peace and one which still obtains today is that of a person whose integrity is beyond reproach and who is commissioned to ensure peace and tranquillity in the community where one resides. As Justices of the Peace or Lay Magistrates, we are therefore required to be proactive in our communities as facilitators in dispensing equal rights and justice for all citizens irrespective of class, colour or creed.
In today's charged atmosphere, the functions of Justice of the Peace have become more acute. Our objective must be to become more actively involved in conflict resolution and in particular those involving the police and the citizenry. We would be remiss in our duties if we did not identify with the need for the security forces to carry out their duties without fear of favour while ensuring the adherence to the rule of law, with regards to the rights of each individual.
The St. Andrew Lay Magistrate Association is well aware of our responsibilities with respect to our diverse spheres of influence, as a result we are making an impassioned plea to all Justices of the Peace in the parish of St. Andrew to come forward and be counted. It is of utmost importance that you become active members of this Association so we may integrate our resources to meet the challenges ahead. Our task is challenging but not insurmountable; all that is required is the will to make a difference and a vehicle to take us there.
The Lay Magistrate Association of Jamaica, St. Andrew Chapter is that vehicle. Our sphere of influence includes the most affluent in the society and the poorest in the land; hence, we must try to assist in levelling the playing field for the poor while respecting the rights of all. It must be emphasised to the security forces, which find themselves in the middle, the need to treat both extremes as equals in an effort to gain the respect required to carry out their duties. We are all aware that poverty and hopelessness contribute to crime and this phenomenon often time takes shape during the formative years of children in the depressed areas; hence while we have to deal with the present chronic crime situation as a matter of urgency, an equally pressing need is to give the children sustenance and hope by becoming role models while providing their basic material needs.
The Lay Magistrate Association of Jamaica, St. Andrew Chapter is at present setting up a trust fund to deal with this particular issue as well as addressing the needs of our indigent Justices of the Peace. Our major aim is to provide scholarships for gifted inner-city children, training for mentally challenged children and material needs for children who live in indigent homes. This is a major task but one where we dare not fail. There are over 800 JPs in St. Andrew; if we pull together on this the impact will be tremendous and the rewards will be priceless.
For further information please write to The Lay Magistrate Association Jamaica, St. Andrew Chapter (LMAJ, St. Andrew) 53 Hope Town Road, Kingston 6 or telephone 969-6639, 351-4560 or 927-6116.
I am, etc.,
K. STEVE ASHLEY, JP
President
