Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Pottinger
CUSTOS OF St. Mary, Alaric Astor 'Bobby' Pottinger, said yesterday that he will not resign his position, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling that he fraudulently misrepresented to the Registrar of Titles that he owned more than 30 lots of land in Gibraltar Heights, St. Mary.
"I will not resign," he said defiantly. "I'm waiting on the outcome of the Privy Council's ruling."
Since news of the court's ruling, there was a call from the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) general secretary Karl Samuda for Mr. Pottinger's resignation.
According to Mr. Samuda, the Court of Appeal's findings cast grave doubt on the integrity and character of Mr. Pottinger, and questioned his suitability to hold such high office.
"In light of the Court of Appeal's decision, the integrity of and respect for the office of the Custos of St. Mary can only be maintained if Mr. Pottinger steps aside at this time," he said. The JLP's Standing Committee had also urged Mr. Pottinger to submit his resignation to Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke.
MAJORITY DECISION
In a majority decision delivered on March 11 this year, the court said Mr. Pottinger wrongfully obtained the titles. It has directed the Registrar of Titles to rectify the situation by removing the St. Mary Custos as the registered proprietor of the lots of land listed in the claim on the writ filed by Traute Raffone, who claimed she was the owner of the lots.
Six of the lots were sold by Mr. Pottinger and the court ruled that the titles in respect of those purchases were valid, as recognised under the Registrar of Titles Act.
