Hundreds take oath as new Justices of the Peace

More than 500 Barbadians formally joined the ranks of the island’s Justices of the Peace on Wednesday evening, as President Jeffrey Bostic presided over a mass swearing-in ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Mia Mottley reminded the 563 newly appointed JPs that the moment signified far more than a ceremonial milestone.

“This is a special moment for most of you, and it’s not just about the ceremony or the sense of personal satisfaction,” she said. “It is about the solemn duties that you have now sworn to undertake.”

Mottley described the office of Justice of the Peace as one of the oldest within the country’s system of justice, stressing its continued relevance in modern Barbados.

“You are not law enforcers, but you are critical to the administration of justice,” she declared, adding that the conduct, words and actions of JPs would now be judged through the lens of the office they hold. “You are not just a citizen anymore; you are a justice of the peace sworn to uphold law and order in this country.”

Against a backdrop of growing global and local challenges to the rule of law, the prime minister underscored the importance of the role JPs play in reinforcing respect for legal processes.

“It is not only those who wear uniforms who have a duty to remind all around them to maintain law and order,” she said. “Your role is to assist in the administration of justice, while also helping with the validation of persons and documents to make the ease of doing business better for our citizenry.”

Mottley further noted that the strength of the office lies in its diversity, pointing out that representation across parishes, gender and social backgrounds was essential to good governance, as required under the Constitution.

Among those sworn in was journalist Ryan Gilkes, who described the appointment as both a milestone and an opportunity for service.

“Being recognised as a Justice of the Peace for me is an achievement,” Gilkes said. “It gives me the opportunity to further assist people in my community, be a role model for young people, and I am looking forward to the journey.”

Reflecting on his long association with the Barbados Landship and his 27-year career in journalism, Gilkes said he never expected to reach this point, but was grateful for the recognition and determined not to disappoint.

Also among the new JPs was women’s health advocate Katrina Alleyne, who expressed pride in her appointment.

“I am honoured to be selected as a Justice of the Peace of Barbados,” she said, noting that she looked forward to serving the wider community and supporting the law. Alleyne is best known for her advocacy in women’s reproductive health through the Katrina Endometriosis and Women’s Health Association of Barbados. 

A Justice of the Peace is a lay officer who supports the administration of justice by performing functions such as witnessing and certifying documents, taking oaths and affirmations, and authenticating signatures and copies for official use. 

JPs may also play a role in assisting with applications for licenses, permits, citizenship, and immigration status.

They may also take part in limited judicial and quasi-judicial processes, including applications for search and arrest warrants, and certain licensing and civic duties, such as involvement in liquor or firearms licensing and jury list revision. 

The office is voluntary and community-focused, with JPs expected to act impartially, give basic advice on legal formalities and help maintain respect for the rule of law and the keeping of peace at the grassroots level.