Mike Franco.
ST. EUSTATIUS–Government Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco spoke about a few hot topics in St. Eustatius, such as the Island Secretary, his support staff and background checks.
Asked whether members of the support staff of former Acting Island Governor Julian Woodley, such as Jenny Thunnissen, were re-assigned to the Government Commissioners or were put into different positions, Franco stated that the only person who stayed in the same function up until now was Thunnissen.
Currently, there are six members of the support staff from the Netherlands in Statia. All of these persons are working in different Dutch Ministries and offer support in different areas such as in finance, legal affairs, agriculture and at the Information Technology (IT) Department.
“These persons are being paid by the Dutch government to do the job. They are not staying here; they are staying for a year or two. The support staff are not taking the jobs from anyone on Statia. They are on the island for support and for the training of locals,” Franco said.
Six months ago the Executive and Island Councils were sent home after the takeover by the Dutch government. The Acting Island Secretary remained in office.
“The Island Secretary stays whenever there is a Governor or a Government Commissioner in office,” Franco explained. Acting Island Secretary Dijkshoorn-Lopes has not been appointed Island Secretary as yet. Since August 1, the Public Entity is busy with the reorganizing of the entire civil servant organisation.
Franco said that Dijkshoorn-Lopes’ contract was not expired. “She is a civil servant and was appointed Acting Island Secretary. As long as no Island Secretary has been appointed, she will be the Acting Island Secretary,” he explained. “All functions that were dissolved were political functions, the position of Acting Island Secretary’s position is not a political function,” he said.
Franco said that personnel travelling to Statia, such as support staff, are vetted and have to undergo a background check.
“The background check is not a deep investigation. For these positions, persons can apply and send in an application. The person with the highest qualification is chosen to do the job.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/79398-franco-discusses-island-secretary-support-staff-background-checks
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