THE spate of allegations about malpractice of some JPs continues to be a source of worry to the Guyana Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits Association. This was evident in a recent housing matter brought to the attention of the association by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Water. The documentation used was an irrevocable Power of Attorney to facilitate the sale of a portion of transport land. The transaction, sad to say, was fraught with irregularities, warranting police intervention and the need for the Ministry to repossess the said land and to pronounce the said transaction null and void.

The JP Association in previous releases emphasised the need for JPs to demonstrate unfailing professionalism in the execution of their duties according to the Statute in the Laws of Guyana; The Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrates’) Act Part II Chapter 3:05 Sections 14 – 20.

The appointment of JPs in the first place is in accordance with the ‘Oath of Office’ which is administered in the presence of a Magistrate/Judge for the respective magisterial jurisdiction. The Oath subscribes to the performance of his/her civic duties without fear, favour and ill-will. Some of these duties include the witnessing of signatories to a document, receipts and payments, signing of passports, NIS forms, Life Certificate of pensioners, social welfare claims, preparing Wills and Testaments, providing guidance and counselling and mediation in matters for peaceful solutions.

A JP is a very influential and highly respected person in the community and should be an inspiration to others. The services of a JP should be voluntary. However, minimal charges of fees may be accepted but all forms of skullduggery are highly objectionable.

No JP should get involved in matters of a corrupt nature and that would bring the JP name in disrepute. JPs should be seen as the vehicle of justice at the grass root level. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security should therefore utilise the expertise of JPs to promote certain activities aimed at bringing justice to the poor, the less unfortunate and the down-trodden. The Police Stations with the involvement of JPs should support social and judicial reforms that would enhance peace, unity and progress.

Any JP, whose activities are currently under scrutiny, would be monitored and a feedback given by the association to the Office of the President for action which may lead to a revocation of the Commission.

Let it be noted that many of the accused JPs cited are not members of the Association, so that they perform their duties without proper accountability to anyone. This is a mistake and should be rectified by the authorities before it becomes uncontrollable.

All JPs are strongly advised therefore to become financial members of the JP Association to benefit from proper representation and to enhance their professionalism.
HERMON BHOLAISINGH