WE are highlighting the sore point of the compulsory registration of all JPs and COAs with the Association. This should be made mandatory by the Office of the President in order to ensure the regularisation, monitoring and sanctioning of all current and future JPs and COAs in Guyana.
Yes, there are problems with regards to the functioning and performance of the duties of JPs and COAs around the country.
In the past, most JPs and COAs were allowed a free rein and operated according to their own ‘whims and fancies’ and mostly unregulated. This has caused a serious indictment on this body of persons resulting in complaints and adverse comments to the media by aggrieved clients and ordinary people. Hence, we are advocating the necessary imposition of compulsory registration in the Association of all JPs and COAs.
JPs and COAs should be aware of what matters they can handle and refer all other issues outside of their jurisdiction to the competent authorities e.g., lawyers or public trustees.
Recently, it was brought to our attention by the Chapter in Essequibo of an individual who was practicing as a JP and COA with rubber stamps, letterheads and calling cards, without permission, commission or instrument from officialdom. This incident demonstrates how unregulated the JPs and COAs are and hence the importance of compulsory registration with the Association.
In the past, persons were accorded associate membership of the association by the then association President and they continue to use this ‘supposed’ authority to function as full fledged JPs and COAs to this day.
The antiquated laws and regulations of the JP & COA Act must be revised to reflect the reality of the present and not the preceding era. In order to prevent ambiguity on fees, the revised Act should stipulate the fees to be charged for services rendered like many countries in the Caribbean and further afield.
The JP Act Chapter 3:05 Section 16 states that quote “In the month of January in every year there shall be published in the Gazette a list of all JPs for the time being holding office and in the list there shall be stated the profession, occupation, or calling and the place of residence, of each justice.”
By instituting compulsory registration with the association, we can assist the authorities in preparing and compiling a list of all JPs and COAs in all of the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana. It should be noted also, that all Police Stations, Outposts and Post Offices should have a list of all practicing JPs and COAs in their respective districts.
Taking into consideration all the foregoing points, we find it necessary to insist that there be compulsory registration of all JP and COAs in the association which will definitely benefit the general public by improving and enhancing the quality of service offered.