The Public Services Commission has appointed Cuthbert Knights as the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, effective March 6, 2017.
Knights comes to the job with a wealth of talent and experience that would serve him in good stead as he discharges the functions of this most important office of public sector administration, the ministry’s communications officer, Neeka Anderson-Isaacs said in a press release on Tuesday.
Knights replaces Luis de Shong who served the ministry “with distinction before going on pre-retirement leave in January this year”.
Anderson-Isaacs said Knights is no stranger to this ministry, having worked in the ministry as an administrative officer and then hospital administrator before he left to take up the position of Director of Trade.
“The incoming PS understands the ministry well and the range of issues with which he may have to contend. He is duly prepared for the challenges of the office and making a contribution in his new capacity to the development and expansion of health and environmental services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” the spokesperson said.
Knights started off his career as a teacher at the Intermediate High School. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in international relations. He held several public service positions before coming to the office of Permanent Secretary.
“He is known for the quiet and competent performance of his duties.
“Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Honourable Luke Browne said that he has full confidence in Mr. Knights’s ability and commitment to supporting the policy direction of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Anderson-Isaacs said.