Permanent Secretary in Dominica
The Permanent Secretary in Dominica is the most senior civil servant in each government ministry, responsible for overseeing the administrative, operational, and strategic implementation of state policies. As non-political appointments, Permanent Secretaries serve as the critical bridge between ministers of cabinet and the broader public service, ensuring that the Cabinet’s policies are professionally managed and implemented across all sectors of government.
Role and Functions of Permanent Secretaries
Permanent Secretaries are appointed by the Public Service Commission and report to their respective ministers. While ministers focus on political direction and legislative priorities, Permanent Secretaries handle the machinery of governance: budgets, procurement, staffing, performance monitoring, and inter-ministerial coordination. They serve as accounting officers for their ministries and ensure compliance with the Public Service Act, Public Finance Management Act, and related administrative regulations.
They also provide policy advice, oversee programme implementation, and liaise with external agencies including regional and international partners. Collectively, they form part of the Committee of Permanent Secretaries, which works to ensure cohesive national governance.
Current Permanent Secretaries in Dominica
As of 2025, the Government of Dominica maintains Permanent Secretaries for each major ministry. These include confirmed or acting appointments:
- Mrs. Denise Edwards (Financial Secretary): Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security
- Dr. Laura Esprit (Ag..): Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services
- Mr. Robert R. Guiste (Ag..): Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence
- Ms. Barbara Dailey: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy
- Mr. Ryan Anselm (Ag..): Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
- Mrs. Latricia Lestrade-Wyke: Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development
- Ms. Jo-Anne Commodore: Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs
- Mr. Emile Lancelot (Ag..): Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy
- Mrs. Gloria Joseph: Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
- Dr. Kyra Paul: Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
- Ms. Lisa Valmond: Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives
- Ms. Mandra Fagan: Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment
Each Permanent Secretary is a stabilising presence within their ministry, often retaining institutional knowledge across political transitions.
Legal and Administrative Framework
Dominica’s Public Service Act governs the position, and the Public Service Commission monitors their conduct. Permanent Secretaries must maintain neutrality and discretion, ensuring policy is executed regardless of political shifts. Their mandates include:
- Managing public funds allocated to the ministry.
- Supervising ministry personnel and ensuring adherence to service codes.
- Advising ministers on the feasibility and implications of proposed policies.
- Reporting on the performance and efficiency of their departments.
Permanent Secretaries also represent their ministries in national and international forums when required, especially in the minister’s absence.
Leadership and National Coordination
The Committee of Permanent Secretaries, chaired by the Secretary to the Cabinet, meets regularly to review progress on national priorities, such as the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) and climate resilience initiatives. This coordination ensures inter-ministerial alignment on strategic goals, especially those relating to Dominica’s national development and public administration modernisation efforts.