Nembhard sworn in as custos of St Bess
Published:Friday | September 24, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
It is now official. Santa Cruz-based businessman Wilfred Gifford Nembhard is the custos of St Elizabeth.
Nembhard took the oath of office during an installation ceremony held at Independence Park in Black River yesterday.
The installation was executed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, who called on the people of St Elizabeth to give Nembhard the support he needs to make a vision for a better future for the parish become a reality.
Said Sir Patrick: "Custos Nembhard has come to the office with an excellent track record as a justice of the peace and as president of the Lay Magistrate (Association), fostering a close working relationship with over 300 justices of the peace."
Nembhard has been acting as custos for the parish since April this year, following the death of Custos Alfred Farquharson, who served in that post since 1994. Nembhard was appointed to office on September 1. He is the third custos to serve St Elizabeth since the office of custos was established in the parish in 1960.
In his response, Nembhard, who has served as a lay magistrate for the past 25 years, said for decades he had always been involved in community service in the parish in one way or another.
"I promise to keep an open mind and to serve the more than 160,000 residents of the parish to the best of my ability," he asserted.
Like a dream
Reflecting on his youthful days, he said 62 years ago the people of Ridge Pen district in St Elizabeth would never have dreamt that one day a boy from that community would become custos of the parish.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne, the guest speaker, reminded the audience that in determining suitability for appointment as custos, more consideration is given to the personal attributes of the individual as well as his or her involvement in the community.
"Attributes such as strong leadership and loyal devotion to give service above self, unwavering integrity, high moral values and standards and a proven record of commitment to one's community and country are primary in selecting a person to serve as custos," she said, citing that it were these attributes and values that Nembhard embodies.