The JPs, whose president Demora Kirton described the Ghanaians' situation as desperate, told the DAILY NATION: "We never anticipated being involved with a community matter of an international nature. However, remembering the Biblical term 'he who is without sin cast the first stone', we ignored all of the negative comments about the stranded Ghanaians/Nigerians still here.

"Preferring to see them only as human beings in a desperate situation, we opened our hearts and pockets to assist because of the circumstances," she said. Kirton noted the association did community work on an ongoing basis.

Sixty-six Ghanaians and 30 Nigerians came to Barbados on the direct inaugural flight in January, but the Ghana Airways charter flight
was unable to return to Barbados.

The remainder of the 146 visitors on that inaugural flight went to Trinidad and St Lucia.

After the failure of the return flight, some of the West Africans started working on a construction site in Christ Church. Since then, a number
of people have offered money and personal items to help the group.

Ghana's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Charles Brempong-Yeboah said recently his government planned to charter a plane to fly home the group.

Kirton said that until the matter was resolved, however, the Justices of the Peace Association would assist the stranded travellers.

"Sincere thanks to [several] people who have given us their time and shared their knowledge either at a training session or to address a graduation or awards function . . . thanks also to members of corporate Barbados who readily assisted us in various ways over the past years," Kirton said.

The JPs association which celebrated its fifth anniversary last Monday, has the stated aim of ensuring "that the office of JP is always held in high esteem through development of ongoing training; as well as the promotion of peace, justice, and a safe and equitable society for all". (PR/RJ)