Dr. Allen to be Sworn in as G-G on February 26

President of the West Indies Union of Seventh Day Adventists, Dr. Patrick Allen, will be sworn in as the new Governor-General of Jamaica at King’s House in Kingston, on February 26, 2009.
This was announced by Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, yesterday (Jan 13) during a statement in the House of Representatives. He informed that Governor- General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, will retire from office on February, 26, 2009.
“Sir Kenneth Hall had advised me in July of last year of his desire, for health reasons, to demit office in October. He subsequently agreed to continue until February 2009. His request to proceed on retirement was conveyed to and has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen,” Mr Golding informed.
The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to Sir Kenneth Hall, for the sterling manner in which he has served the country since his appointment on February 15, 2006.
“He has performed his duties with diligence, dignity, charm, impartiality, and understanding and has been a credit to the highest office in our land. We extend to him and Lady Hall our love and best wishes,” Mr Golding stated.
Dr. Allen was born on February 7, 1951 in the farming community of Fruitful Vale, Portland, the fourth of five children of Ferdinand Allen and his wife, Christiana (nee Grant).
He attended Fruitful Vale All-Age School and, after successfully completing his GCE examinations in 1968 by private study, he joined the staff of the school as a pre-trained teacher at the age of 17. Two years later, he enrolled in Moneague Teachers’ College. Following his graduation, he taught at Water Valley All-Age School in St. Mary for three years before being appointed principal of Robin’s Bay Primary School in the same parish in 1976. In 1978, he became principal of Hillside Primary School, also in St. Mary.
Dr. Allen holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Religion, a Master’s degree in Systematic Theology, and a PhD in Education Administration and Supervision.
He has been married to Denise Patricia (nee Beckford) for 33 years. They have three children – Kurt, Candice and David.