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I WAS happy when I saw in the (Chronicle newspaper) of Friday March 15 in which Mr. Daniel Craig was berating the fact that Justices of Peace (JP’s) are taking advantage of people, at times charging exorbitant fees, even involved in illegal activities and intentionally giving recommendations and signing for illegal transactions, some of which could result in hefty imprisonment. Some are known even to be acting as if they are lawyers, wanting to make wills and powers of attorney. They can advertise their services, but lawyers cannot advertise their service according to historical protocols. The prey is the gullible who behave as if these people are kind of demi-Gods. Some even charge fees above that of a lawyer, and some are known to act as marriage officers when they are not. Others are known to be using the stamp and authority of others even though the approved person may be dead.
The Appointment of a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits is an honourable one, in which fees should not be charged. It is for those elegant persons of former government appointments, or members of impeccable character in societies to serve their communities. Some are smart; they will say, ‘well you use your discretion when asked about fees’, thereby placing the onus on the requester for a stamped signature to feel bad if he/she does not pay enough, and if they do not they will say like a service agent, well that is not enough, pay so much! To their satisfaction! This is not a service for exploitation of people but one of service and honourable distinction.
Well, time is valuable, and if a fee is to be charged, it should be most reasonable. Since I have known my life, only one man I have known never charges anyone a cent. There may be some others also around the country and you know what, that is a man of honour. Imam Meer Mohammed Rashid, of the Masjid Al-Munawar (Mosque of Enlightenment) of 50 Louisa Row, for the almost two decades since he was appointed as JP/CoA, he has never charged anyone a cent or requested a cent for his time or even for his mosque.
Here is a man who served selflessly for 45 years, and as an Islamic Missionary and Humanist, and peacemaker, but yet little is known of him. He is still full of vigour and power, and pushes himself to serve humanity. He has been responsible since 1993, with his wife and children and few friends to keep the ‘Feeding of Poor’ alive at the Mosque in answer to Dr. Jagan, the late President’s call for organisations to take care of the poor and needy. But more so, he gives clothing and hampers to those in need through donations he seeks from abroad from his friends and families.
As President of the Guyana Islamic Forum, I had requested that he be awarded a national award, as a national treasure and humble servant, it was frowned upon.
So Mr. Craig, and Mr. Editor, there are heroes who serve for the sake of serving, despite their old age. My Imam is now 86 years old. It would be so wonderful if a media can honour and recognise this man as a Special Person. Better yet, if a national recognition by government can do the right and proper thing, by awarding him a national award.
The manipulative, criminal, deceitful, and money-hungry JPs and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits need to be smoked out and dealt with according to law, and their appointments need to be terminated and given to more honourable persons.
Further, I believe, the ministry responsible needs to ensure that a suggested fee list is published that is reasonable for the citizens needing this service, and for the commissioners to get some relief for their time. But they must remember that their appointment is one of honour, and not one of profit, or they should refuse their appointment.
The Appointment of a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits is an honourable one, in which fees should not be charged. It is for those elegant persons of former government appointments, or members of impeccable character in societies to serve their communities. Some are smart; they will say, ‘well you use your discretion when asked about fees’, thereby placing the onus on the requester for a stamped signature to feel bad if he/she does not pay enough, and if they do not they will say like a service agent, well that is not enough, pay so much! To their satisfaction! This is not a service for exploitation of people but one of service and honourable distinction.
Well, time is valuable, and if a fee is to be charged, it should be most reasonable. Since I have known my life, only one man I have known never charges anyone a cent. There may be some others also around the country and you know what, that is a man of honour. Imam Meer Mohammed Rashid, of the Masjid Al-Munawar (Mosque of Enlightenment) of 50 Louisa Row, for the almost two decades since he was appointed as JP/CoA, he has never charged anyone a cent or requested a cent for his time or even for his mosque.
Here is a man who served selflessly for 45 years, and as an Islamic Missionary and Humanist, and peacemaker, but yet little is known of him. He is still full of vigour and power, and pushes himself to serve humanity. He has been responsible since 1993, with his wife and children and few friends to keep the ‘Feeding of Poor’ alive at the Mosque in answer to Dr. Jagan, the late President’s call for organisations to take care of the poor and needy. But more so, he gives clothing and hampers to those in need through donations he seeks from abroad from his friends and families.
As President of the Guyana Islamic Forum, I had requested that he be awarded a national award, as a national treasure and humble servant, it was frowned upon.
So Mr. Craig, and Mr. Editor, there are heroes who serve for the sake of serving, despite their old age. My Imam is now 86 years old. It would be so wonderful if a media can honour and recognise this man as a Special Person. Better yet, if a national recognition by government can do the right and proper thing, by awarding him a national award.
The manipulative, criminal, deceitful, and money-hungry JPs and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits need to be smoked out and dealt with according to law, and their appointments need to be terminated and given to more honourable persons.
Further, I believe, the ministry responsible needs to ensure that a suggested fee list is published that is reasonable for the citizens needing this service, and for the commissioners to get some relief for their time. But they must remember that their appointment is one of honour, and not one of profit, or they should refuse their appointment.
