Mr. Claude A. Kettle has been confirmed as Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, effective January 2024.
Mr. Kettle’s appointment to the position comes following an acting appointment and brings extensive experience in the Public Service to this role, having served as a Finance Officer to various ministries, Finance and Planning Officer, Financial Analyst and as Director of Finance at the BVI Ports Authority, among other roles.
As Deputy Secretary, Mr. Kettle will directly support the Permanent Secretary in the formulation of policy for the ministry and all requisite departments as well as ensure efficient oversight of the Accounts and Finance, Projects and Maintenance Units within the ministry to support the successful delivery of ministerial objectives.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture said the Deputy Secretary plays a critical role in ensuring that the ministry functions according to established standards of excellence.
Dr. Potter said, “The role of Deputy Secretary is important to the success of any ministry’s agenda. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports provides vital services to the Territory and Mr. Kettles appointment, considering his experience, will bring an added benefit in the effort of ‘Moving Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead. I am pleased to continue working with him in this capacity, and look forward to the coming successes.”
Mr. Kettle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Temple University, a Certificate of Training in Project Preparation and Management from the Caribbean Development Bank, a Certificate in the Development of Effective Policy from the Royal Institute of Public Administration and a Certificate in Trade Negotiations and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics.
The Deputy Secretary will also work to prepare Cabinet Papers and monitor the implementation of the Government’s Legislative Agenda and strategic management initiatives.