THE EDITOR, Sir:
LESLIE N. BENNETT J.P. of St. Andrew writes eloquently and passionately in his letter published in the Sunday Gleaner of November 16. Many Justices of the Peace islandwide share his frustration, but the sad truth is that too many of our J.P. colleagues have brought this situation upon themselves.
Experience has shown that far too many JPs will write recommendations for persons whom they hardly know or, worse still, whom they do not know at all and it is for this reason, inter alia, why institutions such as N.C.B. can often no longer rely upon the accuracy or integrity of the letters written and the statements made therein.
The situation of rejecting JPs' signatures is further exacerbated by the dilatory attitude of Government in relation to the long awaited J.P. seals and the amending legislation which needs to be passed to make their use mandatory.
At present, nothing that is contained in the law requires any J.P. to have or use a seal of any kind, yet financial institutions, Government departments and many other entities refuse to accept documents which a J.P. has witnessed without such a "seal" having first been affixed. This matter has been aired repeatedly, but to no avail. No seal, no legal requirement, yet no acceptance.
I am etc,
DOROTHEA WHITEHORNE,
J.P., St. Ann
