More than 100 new Justices of the Peace pledged their commitment to serve with respect and integrity as they took their oath of office before President Dame Sandra Mason on Thursday.
In a ceremony at which 33 of 118 new officers were sworn in, Dame Sandra emphasised the gravity of their roles, calling for humble service to fellow citizens.
She said: “You are expected to carry out your [duties] with firmness, with discretion, and with proper judgement, and to be loyal to your fellow Barbadians as is expected of you. Congratulations, and go forth and do what you have agreed to do.”
Speaking to reporters after the morning’s ceremony, Reverend Dr Samuel Elcock, a minister of religion and counsellor, said he would approach his new role with utmost seriousness and respect.
“I consider it really an honour to have been asked to serve my country,” he said. “Positions like these are ones that speak to your integrity, and therefore as I would have said when I was sworn in, I really intend to uphold this office and to be as fair as I possibly can to those persons of whom I come into contact.”
He further acknowledged past concerns about JPs not conducting themselves professionally and, in some instances, charging for their services. However, he stated that he had no intention of following such practices.
“I can’t speak for those persons who would have taken advantage of people, but one of the things I can assure you of is it’s not my personality. You can be assured I would never be counted in with one of those persons,” Reverend Elcock said.
Wendell Dottin, who works at the Community Development Department in the Ivy, St Michael as a community aid, said he looked forward to serving his community.
“I am anxious to take on the responsibility of representing my community when it comes to how effective I can be [in the position]. I am not really looking for achievements, but I am looking to help and assist anyone that I can assist in the best way I can,” Dottin said.
Shaunda Bowen, a legal secretary from Hope Road, St Lucy, also spoke of the importance of her new role.
“This opportunity means a lot to me. Being a JP is a very privileged opportunity and it gives me a chance to work with the people in my community and to help where I can help others,” she said. “My community is a small community, so I will be able now to reach out and make myself known and help where I can help my constituents.”
