Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

There is a cry for justices of the peace (JPs) to carry out their functions and uphold the oath that they have taken to serve.

That call has come from President of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, Rion Hall. Hall was addressing justices of the peace at a meeting in Spanish Town on Saturday.

"With close to 7,000 members, the greatest problem, that exist are those members who only take the seal and fail to carry out their duties as JPs," Hall said.

Hall said dialogue was being sought with Justice Minister Mark Golding to forge a way forward. He said that JPs must serve their communities as they have sworn to serve.

He said if they failed to serve the residents, then they must give up their function.

The president told The Star that there were persons who only used he seals to profile.

"I remember a businessman who was a JP and he said that it was only his family that he assisted. This is wrong. There are others who simply don't do any work," Hall said.

The members were told that they must only give references to persons they knew.

"If you don't do it right, you would have compromised your office. Therefore, you need to do the right thing," Hall said.

He warned that no fees must be paid to JPs to do the work.

A justice of the peace signs documents and works in the Petty Sessions, Drug, and Children's Courts.

April will be celebrated as Lay Magistrates Month, and a number of activities are being planned.

It was revealed that JPs represent the largest body of volunteers in Jamaica.