New Custos of St. Andrew assumes post

Horticulturalist Marigold Harding will officially assume duties as the new Custos of St. Andrew on Thursday.

Mrs. Harding will be sworn in by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen at a function at King's House Thursday afternoon.

She succeeds Bishop Carmen Stewart who served as Custos from October 1992 until her retirement last month.

As Custos, Mrs. Harding will be the Governor-General's representative in St. Andrew.

Among her responsibilities will be serving as Chief Lay Magistrate for the parish, and ensuring that there are sufficient Justices of the Peace to serve the Petty Sessions Courts and communities throughout St. Andrew.

Mrs. Harding says one of her prime objectives as Custos will be to revitalise the role of Justices of the Peace in the parish.

She says in addition to addressing membership, she wants to make sure that JP's are serving the people and are visible in communities.