I take this opportunity, along with Lady Allen, to extend a warm welcome to everyone here at King’s House who has come to support and witness the swearing-in of Mr Garfield Green to the Office of Custos Rotulorum for the Parish of Manchester.

Mr Green’s appointment follows that of Custos Sally Porteous who has efficiently and effectively directed the affairs of the Parish of Manchester over the past seven years, and has now retired. I also use this opportunity to thank Custos Porteous for the great work she did in stabilizing the Parish.  She did not flinch and we cannot thank her enough.  I also thank Mr. Stanley Skeene for having acted in the post during the period when Custos Porteous was absent from the office.

By accepting the invitation to serve as a Custos, Mr Green has indicated his willingness to commit himself to serve Manchester and assume the role of The Governor-General’s representative in the Parish.  You will now become the First Citizen of the Parish of Manchester.

Mr Green, you are being charged with some awesome responsibilities. Your contribution will assist the Office to execute and achieve the objectives of The Governor-General’s Programme of Excellence.  I encourage you to use this platform to:

  • Engage young people to grasp the vision of a new and better Jamaica.
  • Inspire them to want to make a contribution to national development, and,
  • Empower themselves and fulfil their God-given potential.

Ladies and gentlemen, the core function of the Custos is to oversee activities  within the Parish that promote the rule of law, public order,   and civic pride.  He or she is responsible for recommending and swearing-in Justices of the Peace (JPs), and for supervising the execution of their legislative functions.

The Custos is a non-partisan person in his conduct and relations with the people in the Parish.  He or she ensures that The Governor-General is well represented on occasions when he is unavailable to attend  functions in the Parish.  You may be criticized but you will have to respond diplomatically at all times.

Mr Green, I congratulate you and wish you every success as you embark on this new journey as Custos Rotulorum for the Parish of Manchester.

I now invite you to come forward to be sworn and receive the Instrument of Appointment.