KINGSTON, Jamaica- The number of justices of the peace (JPs) in service islandwide has doubled, according to Justice Minister, Delroy Chuck.

“Over the past nine years… we have moved from 5,000 to about 12,000,” he pointed out.

They include an additional 120 for the parish of Kingston, who were sworn in during a ceremony at the Office of the Custos Rotulorum, Steadman Fuller, in downtown Kingston on Thursday.

Their commissioning brings the number sworn in for the parish since 2016 to 920, with the overall complement of JPs in service across Kingston rising to more than 2,000. They are also the first batch to be commissioned in Kingston for 2025.

Chuck, who was speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, said the intention is to have 500 JPs in service in each parish.

“Most parishes, except two, have over 500 JPs and [they] are serving with distinction. I don’t think we have sacrificed quality. All of you are outstanding citizens who will serve not only with quality but really uplift the vocation of the JP,” Minister Chuck said.

In his greetings, Custos Fuller said the JPs sworn in on Thursday represent the second largest cohort commissioned, to date.

“As we welcome you to this fold, I want to remind you that you are at the forefront of the fight against corruption and injustice in this country. In many regards you are the foundation of the administration of justice, order and peace in the country,” he stated.

Fuller also emphasised the importance of the work that the newly-minted JPs will undertake.

“You are not just upholding the law and maintaining order in your communities, you are also serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those around you. Your work is about making a positive difference in the lives of others, and I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion,” he said.

Custos Fuller urged the JPs to participate in the various institutions connected to the office.

“We need to do more than just sign documents. There are various committees which are established to impact various aspects of our lives and those who live in our environs, and we need each one of you to get involved. Whether serving in mentorship, mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, lay magistrate, court victims support [or] visiting police lock-ups, you are contributing in ways that will make the community and Jamaica a better and safer place,” he said.

-JIS

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