Jess bats for stipend for JPs

Jamaica's Justices of the Peace (JPs) are facing "institutional exploitation" due to the complete absence of financial support or expense coverage, according to Opposition Spokesperson on Justice Zuleika Jess.

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I move to address a deep inequity in our community justice system: the total lack of financial support, stipend or expense coverage for Jamaica’s JPs.

During her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament, Jess detailed how the Ministry of Justice expects over 7,000 JPs to perform their duties voluntarily, while simultaneously forbidding them from accepting any payment. These individuals are crucial for processing bail, visiting lockups, and conducting mediations. However, they are required to personally fund their own stationery, printer ink, and travel costs to courts and prisons, and even serve as lay magistrates at their own expense.

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They are forbidden from accepting any payment or reward. Yet the state relies on them to process bail, visit lockups and conduct mediations.

Jess described this situation as unsustainable volunteerism, arguing that "true justice cannot run on charity alone." She noted that Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck has repeatedly rejected proposals for a stipend, deeming the post purely voluntary. Jess countered that the costs associated with the role make it a luxury accessible only to the wealthy.

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This is not sustainable volunteerism; it is institutional exploitation.

Citing international examples, Jess pointed to the United Kingdom, where magistrates and JPs receive loss-of-earnings allowances and travel expenses, and are not expected to pay out-of-pocket. She also referenced the United Nations Volunteers system, which provides a living allowance to ensure service is not restricted to the affluent, and highlighted Australian and Canadian frameworks that offer operational support and travel subsidies. Jess emphasized that the opposition seeks not a lavish salary, but an enforceable system that prevents JPs from being financially penalized for their service.

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He calls it a pure voluntary post, ignoring that the cost of paper, gas, and electricity makes it a luxury only the rich can afford. True justice cannot run on charity alone.