Sector leaders in Clarendon laud former custos for OJ award

Leaders of various sectors in Clarendon have heaped commendation on their former Custos Rotulorum, William ‘Billy’ Shagoury, on his being conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ).

Shagoury was bestowed with the national honour on October 21 for his contribution to business development, philanthropy and community development.

Current custos of the parish, Edith Chin, said Shagoury’s passion for hard work has left an indelible mark on many institutions and individuals.

“You have touched the lives of so many people. You enriched the lives of everyone you came in contact with, and I thank you for seeing me when I didn’t even know you were seeing me,” she said, during her address at a recent appreciation function at The Verandah in Clarendon.

She said it was the former custos who gave her that push, guidance and mentorship that “led me on this path”of service to the parish and nation, “and I am truly grateful.

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Member of Parliament for Clarendon North Central, Robert Morgan, said Shagoury has been one of the most important and consequential stakeholders in Clarendon and the wider society, contributing to community development, especially in relation to police stations, schools and institutions for the indigent.

“His mentorship to people like me, and other young persons in the leadership arena, is something that we should be thankful for,” he said.

Morgan, who is Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with Responsibility for Works, said he is very grateful to have witnessed Shagoury’s outreach to education, and building his beloved parish, adding that the former custos’work “will stand the test of time”.

Christine Munroe, principal of Chapelton Primary School said Shagoury, “is a selfless man of action with a very soft heart for children, and an exemplary community builder who loves to see young people strive.”

She noted that Shagoury has set the bar high in Clarendon, and deserves the national recognition.

Wayne Evans, principal of Bustamante High School, where Shagoury serves as chairman, said the energy displayed by the national honouree is ‘unbelievable’, as he gives significant attention to the students’ welfare, visits them regularly and is a huge sponsor of the track team.

DESERVING OF THE AWARD

“He does his best to ensure that the school does well. He will go out of his way to ensure the improvement of people. This gentleman is very committed to the school, and if anyone deserves this award, it would be him,” he said.

Principal of Four Paths Primary and Junior High School, Rose-Marie Logan, said Shagoury has a clear vision for his parish, noting that he has worked assiduously to reduce crime in Clarendon.

“Our school benefitted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he donated computer tablets to the students. He has contributed a lot to nation building, and the award is truly deserving,” she said.

Mayor of May Pen, Councillor Joel Willaims, said Mr Shagoury never refused to respond to the many calls made to him, and “we are happy for him,” while former Mayor, and now Minority Leader in the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, Scean Barnswell, said the former custos served the parish with distinction, and “went beyond boundaries to help others.”

In response, Shagoury shared that his philanthropic work started at age 15 years old, while he was still a student at Campion College.

He planted vegetables, sold them and bought a television set for the Matilda’s Corner Police Station in St Andrew. The former custos said that his greatest endeavour was establishing the Clarendon Parish Development Committee (CPDC) over 20 years ago, which resulted in significant investments in community projects.

He thanked the volunteers who helped him to deliver tangible results for the communities, especially those beset by violence.

Shagoury said he had to give back to people because, on three occasions, his life was spared.

“When God saves you, it is for a purpose; and if people need help, and you can help, you have to,” he shared.

Shagoury said that his annual Christmas outreach, which caters to some 9,000 children across the parish each year, is very dear to him.

In 2016, Mr Shagoury was conferred with the Order of Distinction (OD) by the Government.

The 1964 graduate of Campion College has served as Chairman of the Clarendon Crime Prevention Committee, National Chairman of the Association of Parish Development Committees (PDCs), and member of the Clarendon Police Civic Committee, which he also chaired for over 20 years.

JIS