Chuck warns JPs against corrupt activities

WESTERN BUREAU:

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has issued a stern warning to justices of the peace (JP) against getting involved in the corruption he says is taking place even on the outside of tax offices across the island.

Chuck, who was addressing the third in a series of sensitisation sessions put on by the Ministry of Justice, and held at the Grand Palladium Resorts, Hanover, said the corrupt practices would not be tolerated.

“We are going to decommission those (JPs) who we know charge for their services, for bringing the vocation (of JP) into disrepute,” said Chuck. “If you find out that you cannot do the voluntary service give up the seal.

“It is within the act that no JP should charge for their services, and I know that JPs are charging,” added Chuck. He urged JPs to even refuse monetary offers made to them to carry out their duties.

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Chuck said there were reports of JPs who have located themselves at the ‘tax offices’ and are integrally involved in some of the illicit activities that take place.

“People tell me that there are JPs that set up offices (at collectorates). They go to the tax collectorate and various places in their cars, and the people inside actually tell customers that there is a JP sitting in a car outside. And they collect money for their services and share it with the people in the tax office,” said Chuck.

He said that among the chief services on offer by those JPs was the authentication of photographs.

“There is this conspiracy where people inside the tax offices, sometimes when they get photographs, say ‘no you have to go do it over’,” said Chuck. In cases where the customer complains that he does not have the time to find a JP to sign the new photograph, the person in the tax office will tell them, “There is one outside in a car, and when the customer goes outside they have to pay for the service.”

He implored the JPs to stand out as a symbol of good order, proper standards and integrity, in a society where crime, corruption, indiscipline and disorder are rampant.

“JPs involved in any form of corruption or who are charging for their services must cease and clean up their act, while JPs who are not involved, please continue to be exemplary citizens,” said Chuck.

Chuck also called on the various justices of the peace associations across the island to endeavour to offer the best service possible in their respective communities, and advertise the many services offered by the Ministry of Justice.