New WJPA president wants JPs to step up to the plate
Published:Wednesday | February 19, 2025 | 12:06 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Pius Lacan, president of the Westmoreland Justices of the Peace Association (WJPA), has pledged to use his tenure to streamline the functions of justices of the peace (JP) in the parish, which will include bringing inactive members back into the fold.
Lacan, an educator and businessman, told The Gleaner that, along with his executive, and in consultation with the custos of the parish, Reverend Hartley Perrin, he will be working to protect and preserve the practices and standards of the services offered to the public by the members.
“We have to look at our structure, governance, and constitution, and the role of justices of the peace in Westmoreland, focusing on safety, security, and community development,” he said.
Lacan also spoke to the need for several subcommittees to be established and made operational to effectively disseminate information concerning subjects that have an important bearing on the general welfare of the community, especially on society’s responsibility in the prevention and suppression of crime, the treatment of criminal offences, and taking corrective action.
“One of the things that we will be doing is to engage members of the executive to put together several subcommittees. One of them will be addressing issues where persons have been commissioned as justices of the peace and nobody can find them for their services,” said Lacan.
Lucan, who was elected last week to lead the WJPA, expressed confidence that the team he will now lead will be able to deliver on the goals set out to enhanced communication, which is essential in ensuring that their objectives are met.
According to Lacan, while there are approximately 400 JPs in Westmoreland, there is a need to infuse more young people into serving their community and country.
“We will be revisiting high schools and tertiary institutions to sensitise the students and teachers about the roles of a JP and encourage them to apply to serve their communities in this capacity. By doing this, we are of the view that it will help to entice more youth into the dispensation of justice,” he said.