Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has expressed regret at the passing of former Custos Rotulorum of the Parish of Westmoreland, Dossel Owen Sinclair, who died last Thursday at age 86. He was appointed Custos on July 2, 2001, and formally installed on September 1, 2001. He served for 11 years before retiring in August 2012.
Describing the late Custos as an astute businessperson, dedicated philanthropist and an outstanding Custos who carried out his duties with dignity, enthusiasm, and compassion, Sir Patrick said Custos Sinclair had left an indelible impression on the minds of the people of Westmoreland whom he served with distinction.
Custos Sinclair was among the first set of Custodes to be upgraded from the rank of Order of Distinction, OD (Officer Class) to CD (Commander Class). He was the first Custos to create a Directory of Justices of the Peace in his Parish, as well as an Identification System for them.
The Governor-General observed that in addition to his duties as Custos and his business interests, Custos Sinclair also had many community interests. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1965 and served as the President of the Lay Magistrates Association (Westmoreland Chapter) from 1990 – 1995.
His other activities including membership in the Rotary Club of Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, St John’s Ambulance Association, and the Boards of the Savanna-la-mar Primary and Frome Technical High Schools.
In 2016, Sir Patrick headed a team from the Office of The Governor-General, which visited retired Custodes. At that meeting, Custos Sinclair confessed that he missed the fraternity and fellowship with his colleague Custodes.
Sir Patrick and Lady Allen expressed sincere condolence to his family, friends and associates.