Mrs. Natalie Fahie-Smith has been appointed as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development & Digital Transformation after serving as Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

As Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fahie-Smith will efficiently execute the strategic direction of the Ministry by developing, planning, implementing, and reporting on policies, initiatives, and projects, including the Ministry’s plans to support Public Service Transformation. She will oversee the work of the Ministry and it’s Departments’ administrative functions, including budgeting, procurement, HR management, health and safety, records, monitoring and evaluation, data management, disaster readiness, and other matters. Mrs. Fahie-Smith will also provide senior policy advice to the Minister.

The new Permanent Secretary has a wide range of experience across the Public Service, including serving as Permanent Secretary (Ag.) in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Executive Private Secretary to the Governor and various appointments in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Finance and the Chief Minister’s Office (Now Premier’s Office). She has also completed Policy Analysis attachments with the New Zealand Government.

Mrs. Fahie- Smith holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Wright State University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Applications from the University of the Virgin Islands, where she also completed an Associate of Arts in Business Management. She has also earned an Associate of Arts in Computer Data Processing from the College of the Bahamas.

Mrs. Fahie-Smith said, “I am delighted to serve in the Public Service in yet another capacity and am honoured to assume the role of Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation. This Ministry plays a critical role in strengthening the Virgin Islands’ economic resilience, safeguarding the integrity of our financial services sector, and advancing innovation. I look forward, with God’s guidance,  to working closely with the Minister, leadership team, and staff to support the delivery of the Ministry’s strategic priorities, promote good governance, and ensure that our policies and programmes continue to serve the best interests of the Territory”

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains fully committed to the advancement of public officers.