fp Turks and Caicos

Desiree Lewis has been appointed permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health and Education, which accounts for approximately half of all government spending on services to residents.

Lewis had been chosen in March to serve as one of the ministry’s deputy secretaries under Judith Campbell, who resigned as permanent secretary “for personal reasons” in April. Lewis has been acting permanent secretary since then.

A public service official with 25 years’ experience, Lewis has held under secretary positions in the former Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the office of the Chief Minister and more recently in the Ministry of Finance. She took up the permanent secretary position Aug. 3.

“I am delighted that Mrs. Lewis has been confirmed in the position of permanent secretary, Health and Education,” said government Chief Executive Patrick Boyle, who chaired the interview panel said that selected Lewis.

“She brings a wealth of experience to the role and can be justifiably proud of her personal commitment to outstanding public service. I look forward to working with her in the transition to a new elected government.”

Five Turks and Caicos Islanders applied for the job, three were shortlisted for consideration but one dropped out for personal reasons, government said.

Lewis was chosen for the post by panel members Boyle; John Smith, Airport Authority chief executive and member of the Advisory Council; and Mark Greenway, government human resources director.

Government is still trying to fill the positions of eight deputy secretaries to serve in government’s five ministries. A recruitment exercise that ended in March was only able to select six deputies from those who applied.