Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has revealed that one of several justices of the peace, exposed for taking payment for services in a recent Sunday Gleaner investigation, has resigned and turned in his seal.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony for 48 justices of the peace in St James today (April 21), Chuck also demanded that the other JPs caught acting inappropriately by the newspaper, resign as well.

“Sadly, there is a small minority [of JPs] who doesn’t care about their role as JP. They will use and abuse this status of a JP for enrichment. It is not only wrong, but it sends the unfortunate signal that hurts the law abiding JPs across Jamaica.”

NO ROGUES EXPOSED FROM ST JAMES

Referencing the newspaper report, Chuck noted to applause that none of the several JPs caught acting inappropriately were from St James.

“So, of the 16, I can identify maybe only five or so of them who really blemish the image of justices of the peace,” Chuck said.

“I am happy to report that one of them has already handed in his resignation and his seal and we expect the others in short order to hand in their resignations and their seals, because, even though we are not sure who you are as yet, we are likely to find you out.”

Chuck said, therefore, that any JP from Clarendon, St Catherine, or Kingston, who is aware they are among those exposed for acting inappropriately by the newspaper, should report to their Custos, hand in their seal and their resignation.

“This is a noble vocation. It must not be abused,” Chuck declared.

EXEMPLIFY WHAT IS EXPECTED OF JPs

Earlier, the minister stressed to the new JPs being commissioned that he was aware that they had gone through the relevant training and that it was urgent and important that they exemplify what is expected of a JP.

“It is said quite wrongly, that everyone has a price. I deny that. And let me emphasise to each of you, your integrity and your character has no price.”

READ: Justice Ministry urges citizens to report rogue JPs