Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen is urging Justices of the Peace to see themselves as a collective force for change that will “take back Jamaica from the crime, mediocrity and negativity which have become all too pervasive.” He was speaking at a consultation with Custos of St. Andrew the Hon. Donna Parchment Brown and Justices of the Peace for that parish.
Sir Patrick said that the upsurge in crime since the start of the year is of grave concern to all, “but just standing by and condemning this evil is not enough. We have to form a united front in support of the security and law enforcement authorities to defeat this enemy.”
He cited weak parenting as one of the real causes of the breakdown in our society and outlined some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence to “lend our weight to the national efforts to remedy this problem.” These include a radio programme to promote good parenting, the 
Summer of Service Competition to encourage a spirit of volunteerism in young people and the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Programme to recognize excellence in general as well as service above self.
“I am depending on you to become involved in the programmes and activities that seek to transform our nation. Let us not sit back and wish. Let us get into action and do,” the Governor-General continued.
For further information contact:
Office of His Excellency
The Governor-General and Staff
Tel: 927-6827
