Scores of Jamaicans, among them Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and former Prime Minster Bruce Golding, paid their last respects to former custos of St James Ewen Corrodus at a thanksgiving service for his life at Montego Bay Convention Centre on Sunday.

Corrodus, who served the parish during a nine-year stint from 2009-2018, died on February 20 after battling illness for some time. His passing was met with widespread grief in St James and the wider Jamaica, demonstrating the impact he had during his life.

Sir Patrick, in his tribute, labelled Corrodus a “friend”, “confidant”, and a great leader during his time.

“In a world where leadership is often misunderstood and undervalued it is a rare privilege to know someone who personifies the qualities of true leadership,” said Sir Patrick.

“Today I have the honour of paying tribute to a friend who is not only a great leader, but a shining beacon of inspiration to all those who had the fortune of knowing and working with him,” the governor general added.

“As a leader he displayed an uncanny ability to connect to people from all walks of life. He showed that true leadership was not about asserting one’s authority but about empowering others to achieve their full potential,” added Sir Patrick.

Corrodus was also hailed for the roles he played in dealing with poverty and the provision of health care and educational opportunities for residents of St James.

Current custos of St James, Bishop Conrad Pitkin, used the opportunity to laud his predecessor for the role he played in guiding him when he took over the mantle.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang also paid tribute to Corrodus.