Patrick Allen (governor-general)

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[A] In 1993, he returned to Andrews University, where he worked in the registrar's office while pursuing a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. After receiving his doctorate in 1998, Allen returned to Jamaica, where he became the President of the Central Jamaica Conference, and in 2000, the President of the West Indies Union of Seventh-day Adventists. [4] [5] [6] In 2005, he was elected to a second five-year term. [7] In his acceptance speech, Allen opined that church outreach should address the problems facing the community, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, and violent crime. [7] During this time, Allen also served as the chairman of the boards of Northern Caribbean University and Andrews Memorial Hospital. [3]

Governor-General

Sir Patrick Allen
Sir Patrick Allen.jpg
Allen in 2011
6th Governor-General of Jamaica
Assumed office
26 February 2009
Viceregal styles of
Sir Patrick Allen
(2009–present)
Flag of the Governor-General of Jamaica.svg
Reference style His Excellency the Most Honourable
Spoken styleYour Excellency

In July 2008, the then Governor-General of Jamaica Kenneth O. Hall, indicated that he wished to step down due to declining health. He was persuaded to remain in the post for an additional half-year. [3] On 13 January 2009, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding (of the Jamaica Labour Party), announced that Allen would succeed Kenneth Hall as Governor-General. The announcement generated controversy, both because Allen had strong ties to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and because as an Adventist, Allen might be unable to attend events due to his strict observation of the Sabbath. [3] [8] On 28 January 2009, Allen resigned from his presidency of the West Indies Union. [9] He also resigned as chairman of the board of Northern Caribbean University, [10] and other religious organisations in 2009. [5]

On 26 February 2009, he became Jamaica's sixth appointed Governor-General, and eighth overall (two people briefly held the position as acting Governor-General). [11] Although Seventh-day Adventism is Jamaica's largest religion, [12] Allen was the first Adventist governor-general in Jamaica and the second in the region, after James Carlisle, a former governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda. [9] There is a long history of appointing former educators to the position, with governors-general Campbell, Glasspole, Cooke, and Hall all also having backgrounds as educators. [9]

Allen meeting President Ram Nath Kovind of India at King's House, May 2022 Kovind meets Allen.jpeg
Allen meeting President Ram Nath Kovind of India at King's House, May 2022

Honours

In 2006, Allen was appointed a Commander of the Jamaican Order of Distinction (CD). [2] Upon becoming the Governor-General, Allen was made a Member of the Jamaican Order of the Nation (ON). [5] In May 2009, Allen was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II, with the appointment backdated to 26 March 2009. [13] On 2 September 2013, Allen became a Knight of Grace of the Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ). [14]

Awards

Allen has received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from Northern Caribbean University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Andrews University as well Oakwood University. [5] All three institutions are associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Notes

^A Information about the regional structure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is from the article "Jamaican Adventists on their own". [15]

References

  1. "The Governor-General - The Governor-General of Jamaica". 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 "G-G-designate a devout Adventist and educator". Jamaica Observer . 14 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Hall, Arthur (14 January 2009). "Pastor is next GG – Hall retiring on Feb 26, cites ill health – Patrick Allen, Adventist cleric, to take over". Jamaica Gleaner . Gleaner Company Ltd. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Dr Patrick Allen: Shepherd of the Adventist flock, servant of God, friend of man". Jamaica Observer. 18 January 2009. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Linton Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, Governor-General of Jamaica". Profiles. King's House. 20 January 2018. Archived from the original on 16 August 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 Penner, David S. (2010). "Sir Patrick L. Allen: Dialogue with the Governor General of Jamaica" (PDF). College and University Dialogue. 22 (2–3). Committee on Adventist Ministry to College and University Students: 18–20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  7. 1 2 "Dr Patrick Allen gets second five-year term as Adventist head". Jamaica Observer. 15 November 2005. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  8. "Allen perfect man for the job – SDA leaders". Jamaica Gleaner. Gleaner Company Ltd. 17 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 May 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 "New G G to be sworn in -Dr. Patrick Allen". Jamaica Gleaner. Gleaner Company Ltd. 26 February 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  10. "Dr Patrick Allen to receive honorary degree from NCU". Jamaica Gleaner. Gleaner Company Ltd. 15 February 2009. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  11. Dunkley, Alicia (26 February 2009). "New G-G today". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  12. Desmond, Allen. "GG-designate confesses". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  13. "Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood". Honours and Awards. The Gazette. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  14. "Governor General Patrick Allen invested with second knighthood". Jamaica Gleaner. Gleaner Company Ltd. 2 September 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  15. Allen, Desmond (13 June 2010). "Jamaican Adventists on their own". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
Government offices
Preceded by Governor General of Jamaica
2009–present
Incumbent