"The Office of Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Lormeka Williams to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy effective 7 August 2023.
"Mrs Williams holds a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology and General Studies from the College of the Bahamas (now University of the Bahamas) and began her career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) in 2007 as a science teacher at Clement Howell High School. Mrs Williams used this avenue to display and pass on her passion for the wildlife and natural environment in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
"Using a variety of hands-on learning methods, her passion inspired students in the field of environmental studies, and this led to the development of a school-based Environmental Club and a special project with the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust to create a plant nursery at the school.
"In 2010, Mrs Williams joined the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) as National Environmental Centre Curator. In this role, she was instrumental in revitalizing the Junior Park Warden Programme and new activities to help participating youth better appreciate the Turks and Caicos Islands' natural environment. She also worked closely with international organizations such as Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Darwin Project and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Conservation Forum on various conservation projects and initiatives.
"Mrs Williams shares a love and passion for helping those most vulnerable in our communities. This love and passion led to a brief departure from public service in 2012 to take on a leadership role with the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross as its Director.
"She assisted in the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, was influential in the formation of the youth arm, and led various groups of young persons on both local and regional youth camps and skill-building excursions to introduce young Turks and Caicos Islanders to new cultures and build core leadership values.
In 2016 Mrs Williams was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship and attained a Master of Science Degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Upon completion and return in 2017, Mrs Williams re-joined TCIG as the Deputy Director of DECR and was later promoted to Director in 2019. Throughout her tenure with DECR, she spearheaded numerous efforts, including developing and implementing several successful internationally funded projects (including the Blue Belt Programme), revising the National Parks Ordinance, and implementing the new Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance.
"Mrs Williams, in commenting on her appointment, stated:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. I firmly believe I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. I am humbled and thankful for this opportunity to serve my country in this new capacity.
"I want to thank my husband, family, and friends for their unwavering support throughout my career. I also want to thank the Governor and Deputy Governor for their faith in my ability. I promise to contribute as best as I can to enhance our country's public services.
"My career, achievements and success are nothing short of a prayer and a seed of faith. When I returned home as a teacher in 2007, all I wanted to do was teach, but as I taught, I realized how much more I could do to help protect and preserve our beautiful, by nature, Turks and Caicos Islands. I took a leap of faith, and after a few positions, a private sector opportunity, and a Chevening Scholarship, I now sit at the executive level of public service.
"I'm just a little girl from Five Cays by way of Bottle Creek, North Caicos, who had a dream, and now, my goal, fueled by faith, is alive and well. I encourage all to do the same for themselves and know that nothing is impossible once God is at the helm."
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs Williams, stated:
"It is with great pleasure that I officially announce and congratulate Mrs Lormeka Williams on her appointment to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.
" Mrs Williams, a former Chevening Scholar with over 15 years of dedicated service to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in the area of the environment, has proven herself to be a dedicated, consummate professional who I am confident will be an asset to the Office of the Premier and Public Policy and will do exceptionally well in this new executive role.
"Mrs Williams' appointment, like the recent senior-level appointments, are continued proof of the diverse talent within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. Mrs Williams' functions will include assisting the Premier with critical initiatives, including the ongoing work of the National Delivery Unit, developing key strategies across government, and establishing a fully functional communications framework.
"We have complete faith in the ability of Mrs Williams, and my office stands ready to assist her in any way needed for her success."
Comments