Nassau, Bahamas ? Justices of the Peace have been urged not to take their title ?lightly? and ?flippantly? as they carry out their duties.

?You must not take lightly and flippantly the title of Justice of the Peace. You see it as a title to better your economic and financial circumstances,? said Leroy Sumner, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Attorney General's Office.

?Far too many of you are holding the view that it is a position which carries financial rewards and economic returns,? Mr. Sumner said.

He was addressing a meeting of the National Association of Justices of the Peace on November 24 at the Police Training College.

Mr. Sumner revealed that the Attorney General?s office is faced with numerous applications for persons to become Justices of the Peace.

There are approximately 802 Justices of the Peace in The Bahamas with half of them residing in New Providence, he said.

?Based on the national statistics there are sufficient if not an over abundance of persons who are Justices of the Peace in some areas of the country.

?We have a total of 1,821 applications for consideration. Certainly the number is staggering. This is an issue which needs to be addressed,? said Mr. Sumner.