| Custos for Mandeville |
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TO THE EDITOR
I made the point then, and I make it again now. We are not accusing anybody but we want to preserve the integrity and sanctity of that office as much as is possible and there is nothing wrong with giving members of the parish an opportunity to have an input. Whoever is being selected to the position of Custos must command the respect and support from the widest cross section of the parish they will be serving. Likewise, such person selected ought not to be a known source of division or divisiveness in the parish they will serve.
Unfortunately it seems my words are coming to pass just three months after the passage of that Bill. It is not too late for the Minister of Justice, the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Designate and the Governor General to listen to the many and loud voices in the parish. The potential consequence of failing to act now cannot be charged to lack of recollection later.
Fitz A. Jackson. M. P.
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St. Catherine, October 8, 2011: The current uproar from various quarters in the parish of Manchester over the impending appointment of a new Custos cannot be ignored by us all, including civil society. To the extent that we, in most part accept a credible role for Justices of the Peace and Custos in each parish, we have an obligation to ensure that their credibility is beyond reason doubt. During the debate on the Custos Rotulorum Bill in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, I sought support from my parliamentary colleagues to ensure that the public have an opportunity proffer the opinion on any person being considered or about to be appointed Custos in their parish. I failed in that effort, even after much pleading to my colleagues!