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CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 439|23 March 2012
Secrecy surrounds alleged dismissal of top public servant

The Times has learnt that the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPC) is investigating the procedures followed and applied by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs when he allegedly dismissed the Head of Immigration some four weeks ago.
The Times understands that after issuing the alleged dismissal, the Secretary retuned from an overseas trip and was surprised the Head of Immigration had not vacated his office.
The Times also understands the Head of Immigration briefed his staff on his situation shortly before leaving for an overseas trip.
All parties are remaining tight lipped. In order to be summarily dismissed, a top public servant would have needed to have done something seriously wrong. The Times understands the alleged dismissal followed a culmination of events. What these are is not known and may not be revealed.
The high level of secrecy surrounding this case is not unusual considering past investigations involving the Secretary for Justice, the CIIC CEO and a former PSC.
In this case the high standing of the office, locally and internationally, means transparency is critical to maintaining public confidence. If the public suspect matters are being swept under the carpet or being “hushed” up that will give cause for concern.
The fact government has made no public statement after some four weeks, is a concern. -Charles Pitt

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