The Ministry

The Permanent Secretary is the highest-ranking administrative officer within the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and serves as the cornerstone of its governance and operational framework. Entrusted with the stewardship of the Ministry’s administrative machinery, the Permanent Secretary ensures continuity of government functions and the effective execution of national policies and strategic priorities.

 

This role encompasses the translation of Cabinet decisions and ministerial directives into actionable programs, while providing authoritative counsel to the Attorney General on matters of policy implementation and organizational management. The Permanent Secretary exercises oversight of human, financial, and technical resources, guaranteeing compliance with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and service excellence.

 

As the principal conduit between political leadership and the civil service, the Permanent Secretary safeguards the integrity of administrative processes and ensures that governance objectives are achieved in alignment with the broader national development agenda. The constitutional foundation of this office, as articulated in Section 79 of the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis, vests the powers of appointment, transfer, and disciplinary control in the Governor-General, acting on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and in consultation with the Prime Minister. This framework underscores the impartiality, professionalism, and enduring significance of the Permanent Secretary in upholding the principles of good governance and the rule of law.