Jamaican News

New St. James Custos Endorses State of Public Emergency

Photo: Donald De La Haye

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir. Patrick Allen (left), presents incoming Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, with his instrument of appointment during his swearing-in ceremony at King’s House, on Monday (January 29).

Newly appointed Custos of St. James, Bishop the Hon. Conrad Pitkin, is endorsing the ongoing State of Public Emergency in the parish.

He noted, however, that this operation “is not a panacea nor is it a means to an end,” and called for the implementation of a social intervention programme that will involve all stakeholders of the parish.

“There must be collaboration involving government agencies, the business sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the church. I believe that if we unite and work together, as a people, we will not only tame the monster (of crime) but we will destroy it,” he said.

Bishop Pitkin was speaking at his swearing-in ceremony at King’s House today (January 29). During the ceremony, Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir. Patrick Allen, presented him with his instrument of appointment.

In the meantime, Bishop Pitkin, who is Senior Pastor at the Faith Temple Assembly of God, said he is humbled to have been asked to serve in this high office, and honoured by the confidence bestowed in him.

He noted that his appointment comes at a time when St. James needs the continuation of strong leadership and, therefore, pledged to serve the parish and country “faithfully, to the best of my ability”.

Meanwhile, the Governor-General expressed confidence in Bishop Pitkin’s capability to serve the parish well, given his wealth of experience in various capacities.

“I am sure your years of experience as a leader, administrator, father and pastor will go a long way in giving you patience and the confidence and courage that you need to effectively function in this office,” he said.

The Governor-General further charged the new Custos to use his office to inspire the youth in the parish to make their contribution to national development.

“We are handing you a mantle that we need you to use to engage the young people and to help them to carry out the mandate of the ‘I Believe Initiative’ (which is) to inspire and motivate young people to achieve their God-given potential and to use the opportunities that they have been given (and) the expertise and the training that they receive to help other young persons,” he said.

Bishop Pitkin’s appointment becomes effective on February 1. He succeeds Hon. Ewen Corrodus, who demits office on January 31.

 

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