Chief Inspector in the National Education Inspectorate, Maureen Dwyer will assume acting permanent secretary responsibilities in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information effective October 14, 2021.

The move follows calls from Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis, that the former permanent secretary, Dr Grace McLean, be investigated for fiduciary failings on her watch, surrounding the payment of $124 million to the Joint Committee on Tertiary Education.

Monroe Ellis in a report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday (October 12), suggested that Education Minister Fayval Williams, call in the police or a designated anti-corruption body to investigate the matter.

The auditor general argued that senior officials within the ministry failed to ensure that government funds were appropriated in keeping with the requisite law and that arrangements were put in place to safeguard government resources.

In the light of this, McLean has been placed on leave effective October 14, 2021, while the investigations are pursued.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, “Dr McLean’s leave will ensure there is no hindrance real, or perceived, to the course of the investigations”.