The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

FORMER DNA candidate and self-proclaimed “grass-roots ombudsman”, Rodney Moncur says he is still a Justice of the Peace – as confirmed by the Governor General – despite any controversy surrounding him.

In a letter sent to Mr Moncur and signed by Irene Stubbs, secretary to Sir Arthur Foulkes, it states: “I am to advise that as of this date, we have no such recommendation for the revocation of your appointment as Justice of the Peace.”

Responding to reports that had maintained the contrary, Mr Moncur said he “understands how the rumours started,” but is confident he will continue his work as a Justice of the Peace.

“I have always abided by the law and to the extent that I did not understand the law, I have attorneys that I have always been able to turn to and provide me with proper legal advice,” Mr Moncur said.

“In my capacity as one of Her Majesty’s Justices of the Peace, my job goes beyond just notarising documents. Persons in the community come to me, seeking advice on a variety of socio-economic, socio-political problems.

“Many persons come to me seeking advice on either police abuse or the failure to get certain social assistance and from time to time, I would write letters to the various government agencies on their behalf and in my capacity as a Justice of the Peace, recognizing that one of the paramount responsibilities of a Justice of the Peace is to maintain the peace in New Providence.”

As recently as yesterday morning, Mr Moncur said, four persons visited him to have documents notarised and another man visited him to “complain over an issue.”

“I do everything in my power to maintain and obey the law and whatever controversy that you see me in now, it would be as a result of my persistence to citizens who fall within New Providence for which I am one of the Justices of the Peace,” he said.

A copy of the letter, which Mr Moncur showed The Tribune, was dated April 23.