JPs concerned about Housing Minister’s allegations

The Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits Association is concerned about recent allegations made by Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali regarding the alleged involvement of JPs in the illegal sale of house lots.

In a press release the Association said if such allegations are true it condemns the act as “such acts amount to criminality.”
It said it has always urged its members to uphold the law and not to become entangled in any activity that will compromise its integrity as watchdogs of the society.

“However, while we reject this act by any of our members, we express disappointment with the Minister for his [continued] bombardment of the [JPs] for this act,” it said. The Association cannot be blamed for the illegal activities of some members, it said, and it calls on the minister to desist from condemning the entire Association as this is tarring its image.

According to the release not all JPs and Commissioners of Oaths are registered with the Association and as such casting blame on the entire group is unfair.

At the same time, it said if Ali can furnish the group with the names of the offending parties or publish the said names it would inform the public about the illegal activities.

The Association also called on the authorities to investigate the matter and to make it mandatory that all JPs and Commissioners of Oaths are registered with it so that if any misconduct occurs it can submit it to the said authorities.