Old Harbour justice centre officially commissioned

Situated on the compound of the Old Harbour Police Station, this single-room facility ensures the daily presence of a Justice of the Peace (JP) during the workweek. Additionally, a roster is being developed to have JPs on call for urgent matters at the station, according to Icylin Golding, Custos of St. Catherine.

Old Harbour joins a select group of towns in Jamaica with such a facility. Justice centres provide legal advice, representation, and information to individuals or communities, while prioritizing community-level dispute resolution without the need for formal court proceedings.

Although operational since last year following renovations carried out by the St. Catherine Justices of the Peace Association, the centre was officially commissioned yesterday with a brief ribbon-cutting exercise.

Commending the work of the JPs, Custos Golding highlighted their dedication to creating a peaceful community.

"We will be leaving the names of [justices of the peace] with our commanding officer so there is always someone available. We want a peaceful community and must work together to let our citizens know about this service,” she said.

Custos Golding also noted the centre’s role in resolving family and community disputes.

“We have saved many marriages in this little space,” she added. “Our justices of the peace are working tirelessly, and we urge them to continue their close collaboration with the police.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Romario Rankin, the new commander of the Old Harbour police subdivision, welcomed the initiative.

He emphasized its value, saying, “The police officers are more than grateful to have you here. Some issues don’t require police intervention but can be addressed by a justice of the peace, allowing us to focus on other matters and improve efficiency.”

Veteran JP Audrey Maragh, who has been instrumental in the community’s conflict mediation efforts, expressed her appreciation for the dedicated facility. She noted that prior to its establishment, mediations were often challenging due to shared, uncomfortable spaces in the Old Harbour Court House.

“It is much more comfortable knowing we now have a private, conducive space for mediations,” Maragh explained. Recalling a recent case, she described mediating a family dispute over the weekend that lasted two hours and concluded late in the evening.

Thanks to the new facility, the session offered privacy and comfort for the young couple and their baby, resulting in a resolution that kept the family united.

The justice centre is a step forward in fostering peace and cooperation within Old Harbour, benefiting residents and the police alike.