‘Morality must come before justice’

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has reminded Barbados’ newest Justices of the Peace (JPs) that morality must always precede justice, as she challenged them to exercise their authority with fairness, restraint and an unwavering respect for the rule of law.

Speaking at the swearing-in of 560 new JPs at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre yesterday, the Prime Minister told the appointees that while the occasion marked a moment of personal pride, it also signalled the assumption of solemn responsibilities rooted in one of the country’s oldest public offices.

“Above all else, those who have just sworn the oath to become the newest Justices of the Peace of the country, congratulations first and foremost,” Mottley said, noting that the ceremony was not merely symbolic but represented a commitment to duties that would now define how each individual was judged in public life.

She cautioned that JPs were not law enforcers but were critical to the administration of justice, stressing that their words, conduct, and decisions would be assessed against the standards expected of officers sworn to uphold law and order.

“At this very time when the world and, indeed, our own country, is seeing times where people are willing to threaten the rule of law in every aspect, it is not only those who wear the uniforms who have a duty to remind all around them to maintain law and to have respect for law and order,” the Prime Minister said.

Mottley also said JPs play an important role in national life, including validating documents and assisting with processes that make it easier for citizens to conduct business.

She said the appointment of a broad cross-section of Barbadians reflected the Government’s intention to ensure that the office mirrored the diversity of the nation across parish, gender, class and background.

“We have come to this stage recognising that it is only when those of you here represent the diversity of our nation across every parish, across gender, across class, across every aspect of our society, that we will have the best example of how to keep this nation strong and pursuing good governance as is required by our Constitution,” she said.

Emphasising the importance of training, the Prime Minister warned against assumptions that the role was instinctive, saying that knowledge of legal and constitutional requirements were essential to maintaining public trust.

She further reminded the new appointees that their conduct would extend beyond official duties, as many would be viewed as role models within their families and communities.

“I expect that you will appreciate that there will be times when your example of ethical conduct is what will be pointed to for the young people who are in your family and who are in your community,” Mottley said.

The Prime Minister also underscored the need for accessibility and accountability, explaining that the large number of justices sworn in was intended to ensure that essential services were readily available to citizens across the island, whether for certifying documents or performing duties connected to law enforcement processes.

At the same time, she urged restraint in the exercise of authority, particularly when signing warrants, describing it as a “solemn duty which requires fairness, balance and accountability”.

“I urge you to exercise your authority wisely and sparingly,” she said. “Treat every person that comes before you with dignity and with respect.”

Mottley told the gathering that personal conscience would ultimately be the measure of their service.

“Much of what you will do will go unnoticed, but it is important that you use yourself as the barometer,” she said, cautioning that the need for external judgment was often a sign that boundaries had already been crossed.

She explained that the inclusion of spiritual advisers at the ceremony was deliberate, reinforcing her belief that justice must be anchored in moral conscience, regardless of faith.

“Morality precedes justice,” Mottley said, repeating the phrase for emphasis. “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Thanking the appointees for accepting the responsibility of public service, Mottley said their willingness to serve was vital to maintaining good governance and social stability, particularly at a time when not everyone was prepared to “step up to the plate”. (CLM)

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