Latest update February 12th, 2025 8:40 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

JPs, Commissioners of Oaths under fire for charging fees

Apr 01, 2010 News

… AG urges police action

Minister of Legal Affairs, Attorney General, Charles Ramson, has expressed concern over the continued practice by Justices of Peace (JP) and Commissioners of Oaths (COAs) to charge for services rendered.
Responding to questions yesterday, the official urged police to use their authority to crackdown on these individuals who have now turned what was supposed to be free, voluntary services into businesses.
Ramson, speaking during a press conference, stressed that the titles are honorific and are conferred by the President, similar to titles being granted by the Queen.
The offices must be used to render services to the public… not the public serving the “pockets” of the JPs or COAs.
Expressing his serious concerns, the Minister noted that the offices of these persons are prevalently located on Croal Street and Lombard Street with several of them proudly advertising their services.
From Deed Polls, to Affadavits to passports forms, JPs and COAs are also advertising to type forms, letters and a range of other services.
Ramson recalled an incident a few years ago where a JP, who also hosts a television programme, was accused of illegally marrying persons.
He suggested the police carry out sting operations.
Ramson has already started to refuse applications for JPs and COAs which state that the applicant will also be “assisting” in filling forms… “It dies a natural death” on his desk, he said.
The Minister also warned against JPs and COAs preparing faulty Bill of Sale and Agreement of Sale. These actually resulted in some people losing their properties.
Almost 99 per cent of these officers are not legally trained, he said.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport endorses Mashramani Street Football Championships

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport endorses Mashramani Street...

Feb 12, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) will substantially support the Mashramani Street Football Championships ahead of its Semi-Final and Final set for this Saturday...
Read More
Guyanese boxers shine in IBA World Rankings ahead of Caribbean Championships

Guyanese boxers shine in IBA World Rankings ahead...

Feb 12, 2025

Motie returns for Day/Night affair, as fired-up Harpy Eagles eye 3rd straight win

Motie returns for Day/Night affair, as fired-up...

Feb 12, 2025

Daniel Singh pockets East Bank Pool crown

Daniel Singh pockets East Bank Pool crown

Feb 12, 2025

Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS Int’l Masters concludes

Khalil, Pollard and Barker reign supreme as BCQS...

Feb 11, 2025

Cricket West Indies passes historic governance reform at special meeting of shareholders

Cricket West Indies passes historic governance...

Feb 11, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]