Chief Technical Director with responsibility for Information Communication Technology, Wahkeen Murray has taken up oversight of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s day-to-day operations, following the retirement of Hillary Alexander.
A statement from the ministry today (Aug 21) said after an extraordinary nine years at the helm, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Hillary Alexander has retired.
The departure follows the expiration of a two-year extension of her tenure, which was approved for May 2016, and which was further extended to August 16, 2018.
Before demitting office, Ms. Alexander met with the various heads of agencies and departments under the ministry, where she expressed gratitude for her teams support and urged team members to continue the outstanding service towards national development.
As the administrative head of the ministry, Ms. Alexander had oversight of the development of priority government policies and the implementation of strategic projects geared at achieving sustainable growth and development and the enhanced competitiveness of Jamaica’s industries.
Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesman on Science and Technology, Julian Robinson, is again calling on the Prime Minister to address what he calls the void, disintegration and growing uncertainty at the ministry of science and technology.
This in the wake of the early retirement of Permanent Secretary, Hillary Alexander, the latest departure in the midst of allegations of corruption and mismanagement under the portfolios of Energy, Science and Technology.
Mr. Robinson said the ministries are increasingly functioning on automatic pilot.
He stated that the country has not been told about or provided with reasons for the sudden departure of Ms. Alexander, thereby leaving the ministry without a minister or a permanent secretary.
Mr. Robinson accused the Prime Minister of being derelict in his duty, by allowing the situation to continue for a protracted period.
He called on the Prime Minister to update the country immediately on what arrangements are being put in place to effectively discharge the responsibilities of the ministry.
The Opposition spokesman said in light of the recent worrisome breakdown of administrative functions in the ministry and its agencies, the prime minister should act immediately.