Dawn J. Smith appointed newest member of PSC
It is unclear when the appointment will be effective but it could happen as early as when the PSC holds its first meeting for 2012.
According to Virgin Islands News Online sources, Smith is expected to replace retired Permanent Secretary and businessman Elvin Stoutt, who served on the Commission for many years. It is unclear why Stoutt, who was the pick of the National Democratic Party, is giving up the post.
Under the system, there are five members of the Commission, one selected by the Government of the day, one by the Virgin Islands Civil Service Association, one selected by the Opposition in Parliament and two selected by the Governor.
The PSC is constitutionally mandated to make recommendations to the United Kingdom appointed Governor on all recruitment, appointment, training, promotion and disciplining, along with the power to suspend and terminate employment of all civil servants.
The PSC mandate was strengthened under the 2007 Constitutional Order, Section 91 where by the Governor is obligated to accept the recommendations of the Commission unless their decision affects the United Kingdom’s interest in his view.
Attorney Smith, a former Director of the Virgin Islands London office is an Associate Attorney specialising in advising clients in multiple jurisdictions in Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts from Middlebury College in Vermont, USA; a Bachelor's of Law degree from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Barbados; and a Certificate in Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. Ms. Smith the sister of Financial Secretary Neil Smith is also a Notary Public of the Virgin Islands.
Up to publication time, Virgin Islands News Online was unable to reach Ms. Smith for a comment.
The other members of the five-member Public Service Commission are Antonette Skelton (chair), businessman Ishmael Scaliffe, Rev. Julian Clarke and businesswoman Patsy Lake.
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