Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen is encouraging Justices of the Peace (JPs) to be active in the national clean-up campaign to stop the spread of the Chikungunya virus and support all efforts to combat the Aedes Egypti mosquito by removing their breeding sites. In addressing Justices of the Peace for St. Catherine on Thursday (Oct. 9), Sir Patrick Allen said JPs should do their part to help citizens understand how best to protect themselves. “I encourage all of you to pay close attention to information from the Ministry of Health and ensure that you give accurate information to citizens,” he stated.
Turning to the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, Sir Patrick Allen said the advice of the Ministry of Health regarding travel should be adhered until the disease 
has been brought under control. “We hope that the effect of the Ebola virus in West Africa will be abated soon and we will keep those countries in our prayers,” he said.
Sir Patrick Allen was in St. Catherine as part of an island-wide series of meetings with Justices of the Peace to promote the Governor-Generals’ Programme For Excellence which seeks to drive the transformation of Jamaica through the restoration of values. He said Justices of the Peace must become an island-wide network of proactive advocates of transformation if Jamaica is to achieve its vision. “Policing alone will not solve the crime problem. I therefore urge you to work for peace in your communities through mentorship and community engagement and in support of our law enforcement authorities,” he stressed.
His call was supported by Mayor of Spanish Town, Councillor Norman Scott who told the JPs that young people are looking to them for guidance and so they should not let them down. “We cannot disappoint them; we will join forces to inspire our youth so they can maximize their potential,” he declared.
