Call him ‘Captain Father’

Barbadian President Dame Sandra Mason has approved the grant of an Honorary Commission to Fr Clement Paul, who has been appointed to the rank of Captain in the Regular Force of the Barbados Defence Force.

An October 16 release from the Diocese of Bridgetown, signed by Bishop Neil Scantlebury, expressed pride that “one of our priests has been recognised for his long and dedicated service as Chaplain to the Barbados Defence Force.”

The release highlighted Fr Paul’s inspiring ministry as a priest for over 48 years, noting that his pastoral care remains as “vibrant” now as it was when he was a young priest. “He may have slowed down with age, but his enthusiasm is still evergreen,” it said.

Fr Paul has been a “hardworking” priest who used his energies to achieve many goals in the Diocese. One such achievement is the Catholic Information Course (CAINCO). Now in its 40th year, CAINCO is designed to bring teenagers into fellowship and spiritual encounter during a week-long summer camp.

Now confined to traditional priestly duties, Fr Paul was congratulated for his years of service as “a social and community worker, an advocate for justice, a cultural catalyst, a mentor to castaways, a friend and a shining light to many”.