Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Justice reigned supreme in the Grande Jamaica Ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus, New Kingston, on Saturday night, for the 21st anniversary celebration of the Lay Magistrates Association and the annual Golden Scale Awards banquet.

This year's Golden Scale Awards were given to Evelyn Ferguson, Justice of the Peace from the county of Surrey, a 14-year veteran; Fitzroy Buchanan, from the county of Cornwall, who has served over 40 years; and Joseph Parker, from the county of Middlesex, who has served for 17 years.

All three were awarded for their outstanding contribution to their communities. Emphasis on the education of the youth was noted as a commonality between all three.

Keynote speaker, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, United States Ambassador to Jamaica, reminded the veteran JPs that they are at the front line of the justice system.

"When you carry out your duties, whether sitting petty sessions court, issuing warrants or child protection orders, granting bail, subscribing oaths, or certifying applications, you are often the people's primary point of contact with the justice system,"she pointed out.

Noting that JPs are a part of the foundation of justice on which the country is built, she stressed that they have the ability to instil confidence and strength in the foundation, with each judgement, opinion and statement.

Maintain your blindfold

"The grass-roots nature of the Justice of the Peace system in Jamaica means each of you is constantly challenged to maintain your own blindfold. You do this by the strength of your hearts and minds, denying false temptations of power and wealth. By doing so, you form the bedrock on which is built the future of this wonderful country," the US Ambassador continued.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Evelyn Ferguson noted that JPs can give much with the problems of violence, drug abuse and the problems facing women children and young people.

"It is our fervent hope that the examples we have set will prompt our colleagues to engage themselves not only in signing documents, as there are no limits to what Justices of the Peace can do in inspiring persons to achieve and to confront and deal with challenges," she asserted.

'JPs are a part of the foundation of justice on which the country is built' - LaGrange Johnson