The Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, has announced the appointment of Financial Secretary Kenneth Jefferson, JP, as Chief Officer in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.

Mr. Jefferson’s additional responsibilities follow the retirement earlier this year of Mrs. Sonia McLaughlin, who served as Deputy Financial Secretary and the ministry Chief Officer.

As Financial Secretary (FS) since 1 November 2004, Mr. Jefferson has been responsible for advising the Minister for Finance and Economic Development on all aspects of the government’s regulatory, fiscal and budget management operations.

Additionally, as Chief Officer, he is now also in-charge of the financial and human resource operations of the entire Ministry, including oversight of the large Customs department and the Economics and Statistics Office.

“I am very happy that the ministry’s operations are in the very capable hands of Mr Jefferson. The amalgamation of the two posts shows that civil servants at the highest level are leading by example and doing more with less,” the Deputy Governor commented.

Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Marco Archer, noted: “These are additional challenges that I know the Financial Secretary will easily meet. His signature traits are high efficiency and effectiveness, and I certainly look forward to working with him in this expanded role.”

Commenting on the enhanced assignment, Mr. Jefferson said, “I look forward to working with the Ministry’s diligent staff members to accomplish the tasks that lie ahead.”

Mr. Jefferson previously served as Deputy Financial Secretary and Assistant Financial Secretary, prior to that. His government service began as an Audit Manager at the Auditor General’s Office back in 1994. Previously, he was employed in private sector accounting in the Cayman Islands and London, both with Price Waterhouse (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers) and Ernst and Young.

After receiving his bachelor of science degree in economics and accounting from the University of Hull, Mr. Jefferson went on to earn an accounting qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 1991.

Photo caption: Photo supplied

Financial Secretary and Chief Officer in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Kenneth Jefferson, JP