The Editor, Sir:
A letter titled 'Overworked JPs' written by Vinette Mitchell-Forrester, JP, and published in The Gleaner of Tuesday, October 30, has just been brought to my attention. It charges that JPs "are already overtaxed with voluntary work that is extremely costly."
I respect the writer's viewpoint in so far as she is concerned, but since the tone of her letter suggests that she was speaking on behalf of all JPs, being one, I am responding.
Frankly, I would have no problem with JPs being awarded a stipend, but, I have a concern with the tone of the letter as it gives the impression that JPs are demanding payment for the duties they perform. Being entrusted with the duties of a Justice of the Peace is an honour and as volunteers we must manage the time we give to executing the duties of the office. No one is under duress to do all the things under the jurisdiction of a JP.
Unfair
When invited to accept the commission, we are made aware that it is voluntary. If indeed the duties are found to be onerous, the holder of the office is free to retire his or her commission.
May I also point out that the matter of giving additional duties to Justices of the Peace has been under consideration for sometime now when Mr. A.J. Nicholson was Minister of Justice and Attorney-General and is an integral part of the Justice Reform Programme. It is therefore unfair, as intimated in the letter, to chide Prime Minister Golding for the suggestion.
I am, etc.,
CLINTON PICKERING, JP
Parish of St. James
Via Go-Jamaica