Khadene Thomas, the wealth advisor from NCB’s St Ann branch who was on Monday (January 16) charged with multiple counts of fraud, is also a justice of the peace (JP), therefore putting a new spotlight on what it means when an individual previously identifed as “a person of unquestionable integrity”, sees that designation put to the test.

Protocol calls for a JP embroiled in such a scandal to be suspended from their position pending the outcome of their case.

In the event that a JP, who is tasked with promoting and protecting the rights of individuals, is charged with a crime, there are provisions in The Justices of the Peace Act, 2018 for actions that can be taken by the custos of the accused’s parish.

The legislation highlights that the action be taken in the event of “conduct in respect of which an enquiry is being made under Section 13 or in respect of which criminal proceedings are or are about to be commenced,” is “suspension from office pending the determination of the enquiry or proceedings”.

In Thomas’ case, the developments come less that two weeks after Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck’s latest plea to newly inducted JPs that they work together to make Jamaica a better place.

As investigations continue into the matter, in which Thomas is accused of defrauding the account of a customer between January 2020 and December 2022 while employed to NCB Capital Markets as a wealth advisor, eyes will be on what action will now be taken with respect to her position as a JP, and what renewed efforts may be taken to ensure that future JP appointments will be scrutinised going forward.

READ: Chuck urges newly minted justices of the peace to work together to make Jamaica a better place