DESPITE the recent ruling of the Supreme Court essentially clearing the way for former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Dean-Roy Bernard to be reinstated to that post after the present Administration transferred him to the Ministry of Finance as a director general earlier this year, minister without portfolio with responsibility for the Education Ministry, Karl Samuda, is hoping for a different outcome.

Speaking exclusively with the Jamaica Observer last Wednesday, Samuda said Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Grace McLean, who was elevated to the position vacated by Bernard in February this year, should be appointed fully.

“I would not, I repeat, I would not willingly wish to see her removed from the post that she now occupies, including a confirmation of her position as permanent secretary — and I am on record saying that,” Samuda said.

“I have worked with Dr McLean for over six months. I find her competent, I find her to be a hard worker; very cooperative, very informed, and extremely supportive and helpful to me as minister and to the entire running of the ministry,” he added.

Bernard’s suit against the Government effectively prevented them from filling the post, which he had occupied since 2016, in anything other than an acting designation. The reassignment came in the wake of an audit report by the auditor general which involved several adverse findings involving the management of the ministry’s resources during his tenure.

The Observer , despite several attempts, was unable to get the input of Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte or Public Services Commission Chair Alvin McIntosh on the matter.

Dr McLean, who was first engaged by the Education Ministry in 2009, was chief education officer at the time of the shakeup.

— Alicia Dunkley-Willis