– police called in

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had cause to call in the Police yesterday to remove their former Permanent Secretary (PS), Mrs. Karen Van Sluytman-Corbin, who reportedly refused to vacate her office after she was reassigned to the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

But Mrs Van Sluytman-Corbin told reporters that she visited the office to uplift her belongings when she was locked out. However, a statement from the Ministry noted that the former PS indicated to subject minister, Oniedge Walrond, that she would not vacate the office of Permanent Secretary or accept reassignment.
Following the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries on October 8, Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin was informed of her reassignment on October 9, while still at the office, the Ministry noted.

“Specifically, Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin was advised of her reassigned position, job description, and place of work, which is the Sophia Exhibition Centre. On being so advised, Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin indicated to the minister that she would not vacate the office of Permanent Secretary or accept reassignment. It is in this context that Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin’s reporting to work on October 12 at the Ministry’s premises on South Road instead of the Sophia Complex must be interpreted,” the Ministry’s statement noted.

According to the Ministry, Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin refused to leave the premises and it was at this time that the Police were requested to assist in escorting her therefrom.
“It is only after these incidents that Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin requested to see the minister. On being asked about the intended issues to be discussed with the minister, Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin then indicated that she wished to remove personal items from the office.

“Permission to remove personal items under supervision was promptly given, and Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin secured same before exiting the building.”
The Ministry further noted that Mrs. Van Sluytman-Corbin remains a member of the team, and they look forward to a productive working relationship. The government has since appointed Sharon Roopchand-Edwards as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry.