Attorney Peyton Knight has been named the new Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Public Service Commission (PSC) and will now have responsibility for recruiting civil servants. Knight will serve for a two-year term beginning January, 1, 2025, until the 31st day of December 2026.
In a formal ceremony at Government House on January 6, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams presided over the swearing-in of Knight as chairman, and Tracy Withy-Browne as a member of the PSC. The commission is responsible for general oversight of the Civil Service.
Knight, a seasoned attorney and former public servant in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, took the oath of office, pledging to uphold fairness and accountability in public service. Withy-Browne – a distinguished professional in accounting and finance – was also sworn in.
In a statement, Knight said he was honoured by the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and the Government to oversee the employment of public sector workers.
“I do not take this lightly,” he said, as he commended, as “exemplary”, the leadership of outgoing chairman Launchland Lake who has over 40 years of service as a Civil Servant.
“I intend to draw on your expertise and knowledge in the years ahead as I assume the role of chairman,” he said. “As a patriot who has served this nation with distinction for over 50 years, it is hoped that such an extraordinary contribution will not go unrecognized.”
Sir Rodney said he is hoping that the two newest members can address complaints about the lengthy process of disciplinary hearings that sometimes last for years before a conclusion is drawn.
“Timeliness in these matters is crucial for the effective functioning of the Public Service and for maintaining the confidence of the public in the institutions that serve them.
“To all the members of the Commission, your role is vital in shaping the public service landscape of Antigua and Barbuda. Your work impacts the lives of countless citizens who rely on the integrity of the public institutions. I am confident that under Mr Knight’s leadership and with the contribution of Mrs Withy Browne, as well as the ongoing support of Aaron Armstrong and Nurse Natalie Southwell and the rest of the team, that the Commission will continue to thrive and uphold the highest standards,” Sir Rodney said.
Knight has given his commitment to transforming the Civil Service to keep pace with an ever-evolving world.
His Excellency also lauded the contributions of the outgoing chairman, a retired public servant, whose tenure was marked by integrity and dedication. Lake’s leadership, he said, has left a lasting legacy that will guide the Commission’s future endeavours.