Custos of St. Thomas, Marcia Bennett making a presentation to Custos of Manchester, Sally Porteous during the annual custodes luncheon held at King’s House on February 26, 2019.
Manchester Custos Sally Porteous has retired after serving seven (7) years in that office. Custos Porteous’ resignation took effect on February 1. However, she has agreed to stay on until a new Custos is sworn into office.
At the annual Meeting and Luncheon of Custodes at King’s House on Tuesday, February 26, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen presented Custos Porteous with a Citation. He said she had ably represented the citizens of Manchester, and they along with the people of Jamaica owed her a debt of gratitude for her hard work and commitment.
The Governor-General mentioned several projects which Custos Porteous had undertaken including lobbying for the establishment of a Remand Centre in Mandeville, the installation of a water tank on the grounds of the Mandeville Fire Station, and establishing an office of INDECOM in Mandeville.
Custos Porteouos thanked The Governor-General for the beautiful words in the Citation and said, “This was one of the fastest seven years as I feel as if I have only just begun.” Citing her two main regrets as not having been able to renovate the male lock-up and refurbish the Mandeville Court House, Custos Porteous said she had indicated to the Mayor that she would like to continue working on these project as she had collected $3 million to renovate the Court House and also had $500,000.00 to renovate the lockup.
While reflecting that she would miss the relationship she had developed with her colleague Custodes, Custos Porteous said retirement did not mean one had to stop working. Her next major project would be to serve as the Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of the Crystal House (Jamaica) School, which would be opened later this year at Twickenham in Spanish Town. The School will cater for children 4-17 years from the depressed communities around Spanish Town. Custos Porteous congratulated Sir Patrick on his 10 years in office and said she was proud of him and Lady Allen. Custos of St. Thomas, Marcia Bennett also made a presentation to Custos Porteous on behalf of all the Custodes.
The Custodes Act states that Custodes are required to demit office on reaching the age of 75 years unless specially requested to continue in office.