A new permanent secretary was expected to be posted to the National Security Ministry yesterday, following the shift of that ministry’s acting permanent secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister and a probe of former National Security minister Fitzgerald Hinds’ recent visit to the ministry.
Official sources confirmed this yesterday, shifts of permanent secretaries are so far known to have affected a handful of ministries and several PSs.
Last week, Guardian Media reported that the PS in the Trade Investment and Tourism Ministry, Randall Karim, was switched with the PS from the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry. The deputy PS in Foreign Affairs was also transferred.
The Works Ministry’s permanent secretary is on pre-retirement leave. A deputy PS is operating, sources added. The PS from Public Utilities was reportedly transferred to Works.
Most recently, the PS in National Security was transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister following a probe of Hinds’ May 29 visit to the ministry.
Hinds had explained he’d communicated via phone with the PS of the ministry and the conversation revealed there was a cheque due and ready for him at the office. With the PS’s agreement, he said he proceeded to the office to collect it, drove to the ministry’s carpark and the PS emerged from the elevator and handed him the cheque. Hinds said he left and made no request of the PS or anyone for anything.
Sources said that PS, plus another PS and a senior ministry staffer, were subsequently asked to report to the OPM for transfer.
Justice, Defence and Homeland Security Ministers Devesh Maharaj, Wayne Sturge and Roger Alexander didn’t reply to calls or messages on the matter yesterday.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also didn’t reply to texted query on the National Security issue and permanent secretary shifts.
Meanwhile, there was no reply from Government House leader Barry Padarath on when Parliament will resume and what matters will be dealt with.
