St Ann’s first female custos installed

The first female Custos of St Ann Norma Walters was officially installed at a historic ceremony held on the grounds of the Seville Heritage Park, last Thursday.

Hundreds turned out to witness Walters taking over from her husband Radcliffe who served as Custos for 14 years.

Walters has created history, not only as the first female Custos for the parish, but the first spouse to succeed a retiring custos in Jamaica.

“I am truly humbled by this appointment,” she said during her address at the installation ceremony.

“I honour my pledge to serve to the best of my ability,” she added.

During her address on Thursday, Walters said that as Custos of St Ann she will continue the charge to motivate and lead the citizens in the parish.

“I plan, in partnership with the JP (Justice of the Peace) association mentorship programme, to work for the health and well-being not only of our young people but for their families and all our people,” she said.

She believes that forming partnerships is the way forward.

The Custos, who has also been creating an impact in the various areas she has served over the years, encouraged women to work towards achieving their goals because “excellence has no gender”.

“I shall use this platform to encourage women every and anywhere who are uncomfortable with competition; women who do not know the rules: women who are afraid that someone will resent our success. I encourage you not to hold back but to step forward in confidence…our country needs us,” she said.

Walters, who hails from St Andrew, married her husband in 1975 and has been living in St Ann for the past 38 years.

According to a profile presented on her, she has conceptualised and implemented several projects dedicated to the upward mobility of women and underprivileged youth and to the preservation of the family.

She has been serving in various capacities and contributing to development in the parish.

Walters also served as the first and only female president of the St Ann Co-operative Credit Union and the first female head of the St Ann homecoming committee. She has also served as president of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce.

Her dedication to volunteerism is also seen through her membership in the Soroptimist Club of Northern Jamaica and the Inner Wheel Club of Ocho Rios.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Noel Arscott, in delivering an address on behalf of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, said Walters has always given service above self. He further described her as one who “never hesitated when it is in her powers to help someone”.

-Renae Dixon

Captions

Soon to be sworn in Custos of St Ann Norma Walters being escorted by her husband, retired Custos of the parish, Radcliffe Walters during a recent inspection visit of the grounds of the Seville Great House where the official swearing in ceremony took place.

1. Norma Walters receives the Grand Commission from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

2. Custos of St Ann Norma Walters is presented with the Order of Distinction Commander Class.