ROCK, Trelawny — Expressing disappointment at the paltry turnout of justices of the peace (JP) at civic functions across the parish, custos rotulorum of Trelawny Hugh Gentles has challenged 19 newly commissioned JPs to help reverse that trend. He is counting on them to set the tone for civic duty and community service.

Addressing the official commissioning ceremony at Glistening Waters Restaurant, in Rock District last Friday, Gentles urged the new JPs to become exemplars of good service, grounded in care, respect and graciousness.

“It is your duty as a JP to participate in uplifting the tone of civic life in the parish,” he stressed. Lamenting the low turnout of JPs at events such as National Heroes’ Day, Remembrance Day, Independence celebrations and national church services, he charged the new appointees to establish a new culture of participation and volunteerism. Gentles also encouraged them to serve as role models and mentors for young people by exposing them to civic and cultural observances. He believes such involvement by Trelawny’s almost 300 JPs would help build pride at the parish and national levels.