Justices of the peace are being called on to build on their rapport with residents, so that they can encourage families to give up guns and alleged gangsters.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck made the call while speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the latest batch of JP‘s for St James, on Thursday.

Mr Chuck noted that oftentimes, residents are fearful of going to the police, so a JP can act as a go-between, to get information from the residents and pass it on, to the police.

The minister noted that gangsters use guns to gain power, so removal of that power requires seizure of guns.

He said JP‘s can help families get rid of guns.

Chuck said seizure of guns would result in a greater decline in the country’s murder rate.