THE EDITOR, Sir:

Her Majesty's Justice of the Peace is exactly what the title says. These funcitonaries represent the Queen and administer justice, on her behalf, over their hamlet, village or town.

Today, things have changed. The towns are big and getting bigger as population increases. The demand for the services of the Justice of the Peace has increased and it is no longer possible to know everyone.

What was once routine now requires the JP's input, e.g., for banks, credit unions, loan agencies etc., not to mention regular things as tax registration number, passports, drivers licence, etc, and the list gets longer each day. Also, JPs have to attend the Petty Sessions Court.

Scale of fees

The point is JPs work can no longer remain voluntary, if justice is to be done. As it is now, each JP has different days and hours of work and are difficult to locate.

There should be a scale of fees for services provided and have set hours of work convenient to the public. It would vastly improve the process as those JPs, who are available, would receive some financial assistance and the public would not have to seek out JPs, begging to be assisted.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD ANDERSON

Justice of the Peace

St Catherine