The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes to the post of Director of Social Development.
Mrs. Adams-Forbes holds a Master of Social Work Degree from Columbia University in New York City and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London.
She is well-equipped to lead the Department of Social Development in its mission to support and empower individuals and communities in need, having previously served as the former Deputy Director of the Department of Social Development for nearly eight years from November 2015 to March 2023, before taking up an appointment as Deputy Patient Administration Manager at the TCI Hospitals from April 2023 to March 2024.
During the period of her previous appointment as Deputy Director of Social Development she shared the core responsibility of specialising our core social work services and building staff capacity; specifically spearheading the establishment of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and the Probation and Parole Department, now known as the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services.
Commenting on her appointment Mrs. Adams-Forbes stated:
“I am honoured to serve my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders in the capacity of Director of Social Development. I am a champion for children and am passionate about powering our nation, positively impacting the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
When I think about my appointment, I am reminded of the Bible verse, Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required, and to whom much was handed over, they will ask more.” As long as I am in this capacity, I intend always to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people in my community. My unwavering passion for serving and advocating for the vulnerable members of our community has been a driving force behind my work.
In this new role, I intend to oversee the strategic direction of the Department of Social Development, working to address continued societal ills, strengthen existing programmes and implement innovative initiatives that promote social welfare and enhance the quality of life of all members of our community.
My extensive field experience and academic background in social work and public policy have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social issues and to implement effective solutions, which I look forward to utilizing in this new role.
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes on her appointment stated:
“It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes on her appointment to the post of the Director of Social Development in the Ministry of Home Affairs and to welcome her back to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.
“With a specialized educational background in social work, coupled with her previous work experience, we are certain that Mrs. Adams-Forbes will perform exceptionally well in this new role having previously demonstrated a deep commitment and unwavering passion for social justice, advocacy, and service to those most vulnerable in our society during her previous appointment and wish her well on her new appointment.
“Congratulations and welcome back to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Mrs. Adams-Forbes.”