– Hermon Bholaisingh returned unopposed as President
THE new Executive of Guyana Association of Justices of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits was installed last Saturday, with the President, Mr. Hermon Bholaisingh returning to office. Bholaisingh was retained unopposed for a third consecutive term at the annual general meeting (AGM) in City Hall, where the Returning Officer was Deputy Mayor, Mr. Robert Williams.
Others elected were Vice-President, Krishna Persaud; Secretary, Baldeo Jadunauth;  Assistant Secretary, Ashok Kumar; Treasurer, Deolatchmee Ramotar; Assistant Treasurer, Chandika Tiwarie and Public Relations Officer Phillip Matthews.
Committee Members are Ranwell Jordan, Clement Johnson, Basdeo Singh, Maylene Chanter and Omar Khan.
The installation was followed by brief remarks of Williams, who congratulated the office-bearers and noted their role in trying to initiate changes in their operations.
He called on them to be prepared for the job ahead, to work in the 71 local authorities with local government elections being imminent and that they are required to endorse every candidate.
They all promised to serve in a manner that would not only enhance the image and integrity of the association but redound to the best interest of the people they serve.
Bholaisingh thanked the members for re-electing him and retired Justice Prem Persaud for availing himself as Guest Speaker.
The latter, who spoke on the role and responsibilities of JPs, detailed actions that support professionalism and integrity, as against those that constitute improper conduct and infractions of the law.
Mr. Ronald Harsaywack, Coordinator of JPs in Office of the President, also spoke briefly.
Bholaisingh assured that the Association, which has an important role to play in fostering peace and unity among Guyanese, is also supportive of many judicial and social reforms being undertaken with a view to making justice accessible to even those who cannot afford it.
He indicated that the Association is willing to work with other groupings in the interest of peace and development of all peoples.
Bholaisingh admonished his colleagues to heed the words of the Guest Speaker who warned that “when the rights of one free man are taken away, the rights of all free men are threatened.”
Vice-President Persaud exhorted the executives to see their installation as the beginning of a journey to a destination and cautioned them to keep, within their hearts, the civic responsibility placed on them from the day, to ensure that social cohesion is attained.
He said they must not lose sight of the fact that the environment in which they work is not a utopia and hinted that there will be hiccups along the way.
“Brothers and sisters, we are not here to compete with lawyers. We are going to cooperate with everyone and do our best to ensure that the kind of society we want is achievable,” Persaud assured.
The large turnout prompted the executive body to call on other members to make a special effort to attend meetings which are, generally, poorly attended.