WAYNE SPENCER, a 57-year-old Jamaican, has been appointed president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He assumed duties on February 18.

The Kingston-born Spencer told The Gleaner that he was recommended for the job by the BSA's regional organisation. He said the group cited his position as police commissioner of the city of Inglewood, as well as his work as a social activist there.

More than 4,000 members

The Los Angeles chapter of the BSA has more than 4,000 members. They are involved in mainly community projects.

Spencer said he has lived in southern California since 1973. He moved to the US West Coast after immigrating to New York City as a 16-year-old five years earlier.

For the last five years, Spencer has headed the police department in Inglewood, a city with a population of 120,000, made up primarily of African-Americans and Hispanics.

The former Calabar High School student is also founder and CEO of the We Guard Security company.