ONE year ago, after persuasion from various quarters, I took up the mantle of leadership for Justices of Peace Association (JPs) which was in a sorry state of dormancy.

This decision was not easy. It was done at great personal sacrifice and involved my family and business. But it had to be done because in order to lift this Association to a state of recognition and respectability Gods blessings were necessary. I however, discovered for myself that this road to success had been strewn with thorns and stones – such obstacles being bureaucratic control and red tape, public criticism without merit, opportunism, and a hanger-on attitude by some JPs and COAs.

The little successes we have achieved over this one year period seem to indicate that we have just begun the journey. The race is not for the swift and the mighty but those who would endure the bitter end.

The vision for the future of the organisation is now clear. I have done my best to provide the groundwork and foundation so that we could move ahead. Based on current world trends JPs should be equipped with wings to fly, only those who could fly would be able to cope. Only those who are competent and committed to the cause will survive. Corruption and skullduggery will have to stop!

The committee of management is like what a locomotive is to a train. It moves the carriages with the power at its disposal but if the wheels of the carriages are clogged up, the train would not be moving fast enough.

I must be grateful to all those in authority who responded to the call of duty and to our efforts. We would need your support more than every before.
God Bless the JPs and the Association.
HERMON BHOLAISINGH