Treasure Beach's Bernard Henry Sworn In as Custos of St. Elizabeth

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J., left, with the newly appointed Custos Rotulorum for St. Elizabeth, Hon. Bernard Henry, JP, at King's House on Thursday, October 15. Photo: Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

One of our own is now the Governor General's representative in St. Elizabeth. On Thursday, October 15, the Hon. Bernard Henry, JP, was sworn in as Custos Rotulorum of St. Elizabeth at King's House in Kingston.

Mr. Henry is a Treasure Beach man. He is a "Son of the Soil" with deep family roots in the Treasure Beach community.

He took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office, then received his Instrument of Appointment from the Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. The Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, recommended his appointment, and Mr. Henry thanked him in his remarks.

Who he follows

Mr. Henry succeeds Stevon Sheriffe, who filled the post in an acting capacity after the retirement of Beryl Rochester in January this year. Mrs. Rochester had served as Custos for nearly 12 years. The Governor General thanked Mr. Sheriffe for stepping in over the past ten months and ensuring continuity in the work of the Office of the Custos, and he paid tribute to Mrs. Rochester for giving so generously of her time and experience to the people of the parish.

What the Governor General said

Sir Patrick spoke of the Custos as a role of real distinction, with serious responsibilities to the parish. He told Mr. Henry, "you will be my representative in St. Elizabeth." As the parish's first citizen, the Governor General said, he will support the administration of justice, provide leadership to the network of Justices of the Peace, and encourage civic participation.

He also spoke about Mr. Henry's record. He has more than 35 years in business, leadership and community development, across telecommunications, retail, agriculture, real estate and distribution. The Governor General said that work has created jobs and economic activity in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

The Governor General also pointed to his service closer to home. Mr. Henry chairs the St. Elizabeth Community Development Foundation and is involved with the St. Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation. He has given his time to education and national development through Munro College, Bethlehem Moravian College and the Jamaica Business Development Corporation.

Building at home

Mr. Henry is the Executive Chairman of Treasure Bay Estates, Treasure Beach's first gated community. It sits in Great Bay and is still under development.

In his own words

Bernard Henry, on the left, bends over a table with a white cloth to sign his documents while Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, on the right, looks on with his hands behind his back — The Hon. Bernard Henry, JP, left, signs as Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J., looks on at King's House on Thursday, October 15. Photo: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)

Mr. Henry told the Governor General he is mindful of the responsibility and the trust that come with the office. "I will do my best to represent you with dignity and to serve the people of St. Elizabeth with humility, fairness and integrity. I intend to listen, to learn and to work closely with our Justices of the Peace and our community partners."

He added: "I want every person who seeks our assistance to be treated with respect, and I want our young people to know that they have a place and a future in our parish."

A public installation ceremony for the new Custos will be held in the parish in due course, most likely within the next six to eight weeks.