Local News
Helen Seymour Appointed to Public Service Commission
Mrs. Helen Seymour has been appointed as a member of the esteemed Public Service Commission (PSC), effective September 14. The appointment was confirmed following Mrs. Seymour taking an Oath of Secrecy before His Excellency, the Governor Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, in accordance with Section 91 (1) (d) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.
With an extensive background as a public officer, Mrs. Seymour brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She notably served as the Deputy Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor for a number of years before her retirement. Her well-rounded expertise and dedication to public service make her an excellent addition to the PSC.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving the Territory, Mrs. Seymour stated, “It is a tremendous honor to have been appointed as a member of the Public Service Commission. Having dedicated myself to public service, I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I pledge to contribute positively to the critical role of the PSC in building an efficient, professional, and progressive Public Service.”
Mrs. Seymour joins the existing members of the PSC, including Chairperson Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, CBE, and fellow members Mr. Louis Malone, Ms. Sarai Smith, and herself, Mrs. Helen Seymour. With this diverse and experienced team, the PSC is well-positioned to provide valuable advice on appointments to public offices and exercise disciplinary control over individuals holding or acting in such positions, in consultation with His Excellency the Governor.
The role of the Public Service Commission is crucial in ensuring the efficient functioning and development of the Public Service. By upholding high standards and providing guidance in the selection and management of public officers, the PSC plays a vital role in fostering an effective and professional public sector in the Virgin Islands.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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