Mr. Perin Bradley, Deputy Governor(DG) of Anguilla has announced a re-shuffule of the Permanent Secretaries in the Anguilla Public Service which he says will strengthen the capacity of the Public Service in all ministries. The changes he said were prompted by the recent retirement of Permanent Secretary, Home Affairs, Ms. Aurjul Wilson, and the resulting vacancy. They were announced in a memo to the Anguilla Public Service on Tuesday.
- Mr. Merwyn F. Rogers will assume responsibilities of Permanent Secretary for Health and Social Development. Having been appointed in 2003 Mr. Rogers is the longest serving Permanent Secretary, in the Anguilla Public Service. He was instrumental in establishing the Health Authority of Anguilla. The repositioning of Merwyn F. Rogers as Permanent Secretary for Health and Social Development means that he has come full circle. With his expertise in public health and his experience as PS EDICT, Mr. Rogers is well suited to assume the role of PS Health and Social Development. Two key priorities for the MHSD are the implementation of a National Health Fund and the development of a modern Health Care Campus. Delivering on these priorities require a sound understanding of public health and economic development, which Mr. Rogers is well placed to deliver.
- Mr. Larry Franklin will assume responsibilities of Permanent Secretary for Economic Development, Investment, Commerce, Tourism, Lands, and Planning. Mr. Larry Franklin has held the post of PS at MICUH since November 2006. His strong commercial skills are of direct relevance to issues of economic development. He is versed in managing million dollar infrastructural and communications projects for the government. Further, he recently attained a MBA which provides him with good insight into private sector issues. Mr. Franklin is a natural strategic thinker, and understands fully how individual projects combine to deliver economic growth. He is passionate about our need for a National Economic Development Plan and is the right person to oversee this in the months ahead.
- Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake will assume responsibilities of Permanent Secretary for Education, Library Services Sports and Youth and Culture. Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake has served as PS Health & Social Development for nearly 10 years. She was instrumental in establishing the Department of Probation, the juvenile rehabilitation centre, the Parole scheme and the Chronic Disease Unit. With her years of experience, Dr. Richardson-Lake will assume the role of Permanent Secretary for Education, Library Services Sports and Youth and Culture. This lateral move within the Ministry will provide policy and leadership continuity. With a doctorate in Health Education and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she has a proven track record in the social sector. Further, given Dr. Richardson-Lake’s background in health, she will be able to support Mr. Rogers as he takes up his role – a dynamic team well poised for delivery.
- Mrs. Chanelle Petty – Barrett will assume responsibilities Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs. Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett is an Attorney-at-law who served in the Attorney General’s Chambers for a number of years prior to assuming the position of Permanent Secretary. Her legal training, particularly her extensive experience in dealing with Immigration and Labour matters, make her a strong fit for the post of Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs. She holds a Master of Laws Degree with a particular focus on Employment Law. She has conducted training for senior officers and support staff in the Department of Immigration in relation to matters of belonger status. Additionally, Ms. Petty-Barrett served as a member of a previous Constitutional and Electoral Reform Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr. Don Mitchell QC. She is therefore capable of supporting the current Constitutional Reform exercise and guiding the review and consultation process in relation to the Labour Code and any other proposed legislation emanating from MHA. Her legal and administrative experience will enable her to effectively address the myriad of cross-cutting issues experienced by the various Departments under MHA.
- Mr. Karim V.D. Hodge will assume responsibilities of Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture, Fisheries, and DITES. Mr. Karim V.D. Hodge is familiar with energy issues in particular, renewable energy, which will be critical to Anguilla’s Sustainable Development going forward. He would therefore be able to drive the energy policy. Further, Mr. Hodge’s familiarity with environmental issues, which will dovetail perfectly into Agriculture and Fisheries, as a means of diversifying Anguilla’s economy in a responsible way, is an asset. He has participated in many EU funded projects, has developed considerable skill in drafting funding proposals, and has had good success in attracting project funds to Anguilla. These skills are needed in attracting new project funds to projects across his new Ministry.
- Dr. Aidan Harrigan remains in the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Aidan Harrigan was appointed to the position of Permanent Secretary for Finance in January 2012. He has a background both in Finance and Economic Development. At this critical time in our financial and economic development, this dual skill set is important to the continued development and success of the Ministry of Finance. Arguably, the most significant matter facing Anguilla remains supporting the newly formed National Commercial Bank of Anguilla over the next two-three years as it prepares itself for privatization. The Ministry is also charged with overseeing delivery of the economic reform programme adopted by the Government in April. Dr. Harrigan will continue as in current role as Permanent Secretary for Finance.
- Mrs. Kathleen Rogers remains in Public Administration Mrs. Kathleen Rogers was transferred to the position of Permanent Secretary Public Administration in January 2012. She has been of valuable support for me in relation to the public administrative machinery, which is vital to our collective success as we continue to grow in, and seek to transform our Anguilla Public Service. Therefore, Mrs. Rogers will remain in post.
The Deputy Governor stated that “the moves will improve cross-working across teams, build competencies and knowledge, spread talent, and refresh thinking and advice in key policy areas. I am confident that this set of moves will help to ensure that resources are best placed to fulfil the primary function of the Public Service which is to enable the delivery of the Government’s policies and deliver high-quality public services in line with the laws of Anguilla.”