The Education Ministry is tipped to get another Permanent Secretary this week, after former PS Kurt Meyers was transferred recently.
Sources yesterday tipped career Permanent Secretary Jacqueline Charles to assume duties as the new Education PS.
However, Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly didn’t immediately reply to queries on the situation yesterday.
Myers’ transfer came after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, on October 2,6 referred to a PS whom he said had written a minister saying that the payment of public servants’ backpay—announced in the Budget to be done in December —couldn’t be done until May. Rowley complained about public servants thinking they could do as they want without consequences.
Finance Minister Colm Imbert subsequently said a lack of resources was why the Education PS said payment couldn’t be made until next May and Finance was working with Education to provide the additional people needed to manage the situation for payment of teachers’ backpay.
Meyers reportedly went on vacation leave after his transfer. His reassignment will be known when he resumes work. Meyers hasn’t responded to queries on his transfer.
Charles was at the Office of the Prime Minister (Communication) since November 2021 and has been in the public service well over 20 years, starting from the Trade Ministry and also serving at the Ministries of Agriculture and Social Development. Charles was replaced at the OPM by deputy PS Albada Beekham, who’s served over 30 years, including at Agriculture and other divisions.