Businessman and philanthropist Joseph Issa, the current Custos Rotulorum for St. Ann, is advancing new community-focused initiatives through his Custos Commando project, which encourages residents to identify and lead projects aimed at improving quality of life across the parish.
The Custos, who represents the Governor-General as the first citizen of St. Ann, said the initiative allows community members to organize committees around causes important to them, then present their progress at monthly Custos meetings.
“There is one young lady who is a JP who was concerned about deportees coming into the parish, and she is working with her team to have a project to integrate the deportees so they don’t become a problem,” Issa explained. He added that national tennis player Blaise Bicknell is also contributing by working to introduce tennis courts and backgammon clubs in high schools across the island.
The Custos Commando Initiative also includes the St. Ann Justices of the Peace Mentorship Initiative, designed to provide guidance and support for youth development. Issa has urged all JPs in the parish to consider registering as mentors and to attend a training session scheduled for September 11. At least 150 JPs are expected to be recruited for the pilot program.
Issa, who founded the Cool Group of Companies — now spanning over 50 businesses — has long been tied to St. Ann both in business and philanthropy. He said his role as Custos has allowed him to channel that connection into projects that strengthen civic pride, promote public order, and reinforce the rule of law.
