NOTED St Elizabeth community worker and humanitarian, Beryl Rochester, was on Monday sworn in as the new Custos Rotulorum for the parish, becoming the first woman in St Elizabeth to hold that office.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen presided over the ceremony, which was held at King’s House.

In his remarks, the governor general urged Rochester to use her office to safeguard the procedures and processes by which Justices of the Peace (JPs) carry out their roles, while influencing development within the parish.

He encouraged her to execute her duties with wisdom, reminding her that residents look to their custos, as the first citizen of the parish, for leadership and guidance without fear, favour or ill-will.

“Work with the various communities and interest groups to ensure that peace, justice, unity, voluntarism are the hallmarks of your parish,” he said.

Paying tribute to the outgoing and acting custodes, the governor general praised them for the invaluable service and leadership they have rendered during their tenure.

He commended Rochester on being the first female Custos for St Elizabeth, and called on the residents to support her vision and efforts to create a better parish.

In her remarks, Rochester said she is humbled and grateful for the trust and honour bestowed on her.

She pledged to strive to ensure that all the citizens of the parish are respected and treated equally, adding that she will also make every effort to emulate the sterling work of her predecessors.

“As I assume this office, I will be taking the early lessons and values learnt… such as honesty, hard work, fair play, tolerance and loyalty. Through my service to God, my community and others, over the years, I have added the tempering qualities of humility and discipline. I will take them all,” she said.

— JIS