Dr David Stair in this file photo during an address at the Rotary Club of Lucea in Hanover. - photo by Claudia Gardner

WESTERN BUREAU

Dr David Stair understands the significance of service to the public and, with his new role as custos of Hanover, he expects to continue the journey of service while bringing something new and different to the parish.

When The Gleaner spoke with Stair Wednesday, the amicable medical doctor was in high spirits as he expressed his gratitude for being given such a role in his home parish.

"I am honoured to receive the position as custos of Hanover. I have been involved in service for most of my life and so I hope to bring something new to the parish and help to lobby for new investment opportunities that will propel Hanover to new heights that will in turn benefit residents," he said.

Ill health

Stair was officially installed as custos rotulorum yesterday at the Jockey International Factory in Lucea, Hanover, where the oath of office was administered by Governor General Dr Patrick Allen.

He succeeds the former custos, Mavis King, CD, who resigned more than a year ago due to ill health. Currently, Stair is the medical officer at the Sandy Bay Health Centre and his elevation to the office of custos follows many years of dedicated and outstanding community service.

He has served as chairman of the Hanover Parish Health Committee, a member of the Board of Governors of Rusea's High School and a member of the board of the Hanover Mediation Centre. In the mid-1980s, Stair served as medical officer for Operation Friendship and conducted several clinics in Kingston, St Catherine and Portland.

Representative

But the responsibility to the public through ser-vice has always been part of his life, as Stair states, "when I was growing up with my family, service to others was the order to the day. So when I made the transition to being an adult, that behaviour and attitude towards service continued".

Stair was appointed custos rotulorum of Hanover by the former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, in September last year on the advice of Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

With the new responsibility, Stair will be the governor general's representative in the parish. His duties include receiving the sovereign or any representative of the royal family and the governor general, when they are in the precincts of the parish. As custos, Stair will also serve as the chief magistrate for Hanover.

Sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com