SEVERAL Commissioners of Oaths (CoA) and Justices of the Peace (JP) have expressed outrage at a recently published letter in the Guyana Chronicle.

This publication managed to speak with some prominent members of the association who gave their views on the issue which most described as deeply disturbing.
While the letter only mentioned the name of one JP/CoA, it also referred to quite a few well known members, some of whom claim to have a clear idea of the letter-writer’s identity. They pointed out that ‘Mr. Daniel Craig’ has used a fictitious name to keep himself out of trouble.
The JPs/CoAs who spoke to this newspaper disagreed with Mr. Craig’s statement whereby he stated: “Very many persons would seek the services of Commissioners of Oaths (CoA) and Justices of the Peace (JP). Many of these appointees serve with distinction. The same cannot be said for others. A lot of illegalities occur on a daily basis. Quite a few attorneys-at-law are aware of the illegalities but cannot care less. Let me make reference to a few situations.”
Public Relations Officer and former president of the JP/CoA Association, Pandit Chrishna Persaud, however, stated that the JPs/CoA are given privileges to do certain legal documents such as affidavits. He advised that these affidavits, as well as other legal documents which can be procured at a JP, were taken from formats that attorneys-at-law use.
He noted that a JP/CoA is appointed according to their conduct and reputation by the Office of the President. However, he stated that there are persons who apply for that position now but little training is provided for such persons.
He further stated that before one can be a legal clerk and a marriage consultant, they must be trained in those areas and possess knowledge of the different cultures. In addition, he said that without this knowledge one will not be properly equipped to call themselves good legal clerks and marriage consultants.
Persaud added that those who are members of the organisation would know better and not indulge in behaviour that reflects badly on the association.
He also stated that it is quite discreditable to learn that some JPs/CoA are fixing high prices for identifying unknown persons and over-charging for their services.
Popular JP/CoA Parmanand Sukhu is of the opinion that the said “Mr. Craig” is suspected to be one of the members of the association who has had issues regarding those who have achieved more recognition than him.
Sukhu noted that he was mentioned in the article, though not by name, and it is outrageous to put him in the under-qualified category and bring up old issues for which he was never found guilty.
President of the Association, Mr. Anwar Alli stated that he had not seen the letter but has heard of its contents and noted that he is very much displeased that persons will go to such levels to give the association a bad name.