Financial secretary Lindorna Lambert-Sweeney will become the next deputy governor following the departure of Lyndell Simpson, the Governor’s Office has announced.
She will step into the role on 1 September – one month after Simpson vacates the position at the end of July.
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 with support in Montserrat and overseas.
She used an external recruitment agency to “ensure a robust, independent assessment of skills and personality”.
The premier was consulted throughout the process and the new appointment has the approval of the secretary of state, the press release added.
The governor, in expressing her delight at the appointment, said: “I know that Lindorna Sweeney will take up the role with enthusiasm, pragmatism and professionalism.
“She is well known and respected across the public service and so will be able to start the role with minimal induction.”
Tucker thanked the applicants and everyone who assisted with the recruitment process.
Lambert-Sweeney has 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 press release, Premier Joseph E Farrell said the new role is a challenging one that requires continued leadership, dedication to public service 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.
Former deputy governor Simpson has been serving in the role since 2018 and acted as governor on several occasions.
The governor said there would be time in the future to say a proper thank you and good wishes to her.
“But I want to acknowledge all of her hard work and commitment to Montserrat and to the Office of the Governor,” she said.
“The role of the deputy governor is not at all easy. Mrs Simpson has overseen the continual development of the public service, and I know when the time comes for her to depart, she will be missed.”
The new appointment will create a vacancy in the position of financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
The governor confirmed that, having consulted with the premier, Kenya Lee will take the role from 1 August.
