January 13, 2009 – Kingston, Jamaica…[Libna Stevens/Nigel Coke/IAD]
The government of Jamaica announced today the appointment of Dr. Patrick Allen, president of the church in the West Indies region, as Governor General of the State. The announcement came as Prime Minister of Jamaica the Hon. Bruce Golding addressed parliament.
Dr. Allen is scheduled to be officially sworn in as Governor General at King’s House on Feb. 26, 2009.
Dr. Allen will become the first church administrator to occupy such a high position in the government of Jamaica and the second Adventist in Inter-America to hold such a position. Sir James Carlisle served as Governor General in Antigua from 1993 to 2007.
“The appointment of Dr. Allen as Governor General of Jamaica is something very historic in Jamaica and the world field,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. “The Inter-American Division is so pleased that one of its leaders through the high standing of the church has reached such notoriety.”
“We wish Dr. Allen all the best, realizing the serious challenges he will have–to be the leader with non-political authority but still in leadership position for a whole nation,” continued Pastor Leito. “We will continue praying for him and he can be assured that any time he is willing to return to the ministry that the doors of the church are always open for him. The church will always be praying for him in this position.”
Dr. Allen, who holds a Ph.D. in educational administration and supervision, a master’s degree in systematic theology and a bachelor’s degree in history and religion, has served for more than 27 years in the church. He has served as president of the church in the West Indies region since 2000 and previously worked as a district pastor, principal and teacher.
Dr. Allen will be replacing Governor General Kenneth Hall who turned in his resignation due to health reasons, according to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister.
In 2006, Dr. Allen was awarded the Order of Distinction by Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall during the National Honors and Awards ceremony for his contribution to the church and religion in Jamaica.
Currently, Dr. Allen serves on many national boards and committees including the Police Civilian Oversight Authority, the Strategic Review Implementation Oversight Committee of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. He is a Justice of the Peace for the Parish of Manchester, Jamaica.
As for the leadership of the 262,000 Seventh-day Adventist Church in West Indies, Pastor Leito said he will meet with the union committee to elect a new church president on Feb. 10, 2009.
Dr. Allen and his wife Denise Patricia Beckford have three children and three grandchildren.
