REVEREND Sophia Azan, pastor of the Linstead Bread of Life Ministries will be the next custos of St Catherine, Kings House sources confirmed Friday.

The sources said Azan beat leading contender, senior veterinarian and agriculturist Dr Trevor Dwedney to the post.

She is expected to be sworn in as a Justice of the Peace (JP) this week by acting custos, Lester Smalling in preparation for the official induction as custos later this month.

When her appointment becomes official, she will be the third female custos in office, joining custos of St Andrew, Reverend Carmen Stewart and custos of Hanover, Mrs Aston King.

Azan’s appointment follows the retirement of outgoing custos Gladstone Lewars, who demited office last December.

Lewars, 78, a former education officer who retired after serving 11 years as custos, attributed his departure to poor health. “I have resigned after serving (for) 11 years in this prestigious office, only because of my failing health,” he said.

Although former assistant commandant of the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), Lester Donald Smalling, has been acting as custos since Lewars’ resignation last December, sources told the Observer that he was not considered for the post because of his age. Smalling, 79, has been a JP for 39 years and holds the Golden Scale Award from the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica for distinguished service.

Azan, who is expected to be sworn in by Governor General Sir Howard Cooke later this month, will be assisted in her official duties on behalf of the approximately 410,000 St Catherine residents by the 449 JPs in the parish.