THE EDITOR, Sir:'Concerned Citizen' of Linstead, hiding behind anonymity which is a real pity, has written in The Gleaner of April 21 criticising his/her perception of the system whereby Justices of the Peace are nominated and appointed in a most sweeping and condemnatory manner which would indicate that the writer has no real knowledge of either the system itself, the criteria which truly apply or the duties and functions of Justices of the Peace in today's judicial system here in Jamaica.
Whilst I cannot speak for Concerned Citizen's parish of St. Catherine, I am sure that the Hon. Custos and JPs of St. Ann would welcome the writer's presence at one of our association meetings where he/she could view for himself/herself the amazingly wide range of persons who make up the 250-odd JPs for this parish.
NON-EXISTENT
The "elite" or "privilege" of status as described by your writer are almost though not entirely non-existent. Our JPs comprise (but are not confined to) teachers, farmers, post office workers, persons from the Collector of Taxes, ministers of religion, health workers, some retired persons from many walks of life, social workers, civil servants and yes, professionals too such as lawyers, doctors, dentists, accountants, businessmen and businesswomen. Is that so very wrong?
JP-bashing seems to be prevalent these past several weeks. Perhaps a public education programme might assist those who are disappointed or dissatisfied with the system to better understand what a JP appointment really means, the advanced training now required and the many additional responsibilities over and above what was once the norm.
If members of the public wish to criticise, that is their inalienable right and privilege, but in so doing, please do so constructively and in an informed manner, and not out of ignorance or prejudice of any kind.
I am, etc.
DOROTHEA WHITEHORNE
dodotoo@cwjamaica.com
Justice of the Peace, St. Ann
