power struggle reportedly is underway at the V.C. Bird International Airport between the Ministry of Aviation’s permanent secretary, Joan Joseph, and the acting chief in the Air Traffic Services Department, Eugene “Kaseba” Silcott.
According to sources in both quarters, the arm-wrestling stems from the acting chief’s recalcitrance when ordered by the permanent secretary to submit his qualifications – allegedly his master’s degree and transcript – before he can be confirmed in the position left open by the retirement of former chief Shenette Phillip.
Reportedly, up to last Friday, October 2, Silcott had failed to comply with the request, leading to an alleged order from the permanent secretary that he not report to work until he has done so.
The sources allege that the acting chief is being supported in his stance – and for the position – by a senior Cabinet minister, who encouraged him to show up at the office today, Monday, October 5, in defiance of the permanent secretary. However, they say Silcott was a no-show.
According to his pubished biography, Silcott has been employed with the Air Traffic Services Department for 38 years, having started there in 1988 as an aeronautical information services (AIS) officer.
Insiders say the position of chief requires candidates to have at least a master’s degree. And according to his biography, Silcott earned an MSc in Air Transport Management from City University London – although no date of graduation is cited.
Since he claims to have the necessary qualifications, the sources say that presenting his diploma and transcript should have been no challenge for Silcott. Therefore, his seeming reluctance to furnish the permanent secretary with the documents is causing them to harbour suspicions they would prefer not to entertain, they say.
In the meantime, they confirm that Torsha Watts is acting in the position.
