St Mary is waiting on a custos to be appointed to act for the popular and recently appointed custos, Jeff McKitty who has taken long leave from the voluntary position.Mr McKitty, 70, was sworn in as custos January 14, replacing A.A. ‘Bobby’ Pottinger who resigned effective last year December.
Mr McKitty went on eight months’ sick leave last month, after being off the job with illness earlier this year, at which time former custos, Mr Pottinger acted in the position.
Mr McKitty, a former hotelier, took time off the job to seek treatment in the United States.
Residents of the parish, including justices of the peace (JPs) who the custos leads, say someone should have been appointed to act and carry out ceremonial duties, in the interim.
The North Coast Times has been informed that three people, one of them a senior JP, have been recommended to the Governor General Patrick Allen to act in the post. A leading JP in the parish said it was not automatic that the acting custos would come from the senior ranks of JPs in the parish. “Remember what happened in Manchester and in St Ann?” He asked. In one case someone who was not even a JP was appointed and then named custos and in the other a relatively junior member was appointed custos.”
Though the recommendations have gone to Kings House for over a month no, no appointment has been made, leaving questions being asked about the position.
