Government Reassigns Several Permanent Secretaries

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Pilgrim_DALSO HENRY

Several senior public servants have been reassigned across government ministries in a reshuffle involving permanent secretaries.

Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim has been transferred from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to serve as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

Ena Dalso-Henry, who was moved from the Ministry of Health to Education last year, has now been reassigned as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Creative Industries. Sharon Stevens will take up the role of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office Maurice Merchant said the movement of permanent secretaries is a normal administrative practice within government.

“From time to time, they see it fit to move along or move around its permanent secretaries as it seeks to gain best fit for the various divisions,” Merchant said.

He added that such changes are routine in the public service and are intended to align experienced administrators with the ministries where their skills are most needed.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. I could be wrong but I find the timing of these transfers quite interesting indeed. It’s coming on the heels of an article written by a certain Ambassador and Permanent Secretary entitled “End Hostilities Wherever They Are & Immediately Declare a Zone of Peace.” It is likely that the article which was published in the local media might have triggered action beyond our shores. When you are in certain positions (Ambassador and Permanent Secretary) it becomes almost impossible to distinguish between your official and personal utterances. Unfortunately, the article might be construed as the official position of the government and might have ruffled some feathers especially in the international arena.

  3. The Prime Minister is absolutely correct regarding these rotations. Regardless of one’s personal views on the war and broader international developments, an ambassador is held to a higher standard. In that role, public statements must be measured and responsible, as any remarks are often interpreted as reflecting the Government’s official position, even if they were intended as personal opinions.

    Additionally, concerns have long been raised about Mr. Pilgrim’s tenure at the Ministry of Works. There have been persistent allegations of misconduct and governance issues, and it is surprising to many that more decisive action has not yet been taken.

    Ena, it seems the situation has now come full circle. While this new ministry represents a shift, it will still keep you in a position of visibility and influence, and the associated benefits remain.
    To be candid, I never believed the pairing with Matthew was the best fit. However, perceptions and internal dynamics often shape these decisions. At one point, there was also the sense that she viewed herself as more capable than Rosa.

    More broadly, there is a growing view that several Permanent Secretaries should be reassessed. Effective public administration requires strong oversight, sound stewardship, and a clear focus on service delivery. Unfortunately, some appear more focused on the privileges of office than on fulfilling the responsibilities that come with it.

  4. In our Westminster system, the life of an administration is five (5) years.
    So, our government should consider a policy in which all Permanent Secretaries, as the Chief Accounting Officers, are rotated at the beginning of each fiscal year to manage the budget cycle of that period.

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