Former financial secretary Lindorna Sweeney has been sworn in as Montserrat’s new deputy governor and will officially assume the role on 1 September.
Governor Sarah Tucker witnessed her read the oath of allegiance to King Charles III on Thursday, 29 August.
In a post on Facebook, she welcomed the new deputy governor, noting her exceptional contribution to the island as the financial secretary.
“Mrs Sweeney brings a breadth and depth of knowledge, and I am confident her leadership and guidance will be extremely beneficial to the progression of our public service,” the governor said.
“I look forward to working together and wish our new deputy governor every success.”
Sweeney has taken on the role of deputy governor following the departure at the end of July of Lyndell Simpson, who served in the role since 2018.
Rigorous process
A press release from the Governor’s Office on 8 May said Governor Sarah Tucker, in accordance with the constitution, carried out a rigorous recruitment process for the role.
She used an external recruitment agency to “ensure a robust, independent assessment of skills and personality”, it said.
The premier was consulted throughout the process and the new appointment has the approval of the secretary of state, the press release added.
Sweeney held the title of financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management since 2021. She previously acted in the post from 2014 to 2016.
Before that she was employed as deputy financial secretary from 2012 to 2016, and prior to that as budget director from 2009 to 2012.
She holds a MSc in Financial Management from the Glasgow Caledonian University in the United Kingdom and a BSc in Management from the University of the West Indies.
Sincere congratulations
In the same press release, Premier Joseph E Farrell said the role of deputy governor is a challenging one that requires leadership, dedication and commitment to the people of Montserrat.
“I am confident this appointment will ensure the governor and the public service continues to have the support and drive it requires, and I offer my sincere congratulations to Mrs Lindorna Sweeney,” he said.
The new appointment created a vacancy in the position of financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
Kenya Lee was appointed to the role on 1 August.
