Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo says he expects that H.E. the Governor Elizabeth Carriere will correct her statement about who the Financial Secretary reports to in due course.
During the Tuesday, April 26th meeting of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. Opposition Leader Reuben T. Meade asked for a clarification on the reporting roles and whether the premier had been included in discussions on the employment of a foreigner as Financial Secretary.
Premier Romeo said he had been consulted by Governor Carriere in accordance with Section 85-1 of the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010. He added that the employment of a new FS had been discussed with cabinet colleagues.
The premier said that contrary to what the governor had stated in a press conference, the Financial Secretary reports to him.
“The Financial Secretary reports directly to the premier in respect of the duties as outlined in the Public Finance and Accountability Act. The financial secretary is the chief financial advisor to the government. That is so and will continue to be so,” the Minister of Finance stated.
Premier Romeo said he has not asked the governor to publicly withdraw her statements but he was “quite sure that she will correct the situation.”
The current Financial Secretary of St Helena, Clive Owen has been identified as the successful applicant for the same post with the Government of Montserrat. According to Governor Carriere, they are in the process of negotiating the salary and benefits.
The premier said he was not aware of what was being offered but would be informed once the negotiations have been successful.
