Director of Youth on administrative leave since April
-says no reason given as Dep’t maintains probe ongoing
After being sent on administrative leave in late April, Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael has said that to date she has not been given a reason for the decision.
A press release issued by the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport last Friday stated that on April 26th, 2019, Carmichael was sent on administrative leave following a directive issued by the Public Service Commission as “a legitimate step in an ongoing investigation.” The statement went on to say that the directive came after “months-long engagement between the Department and Commission.” During that time, the Department said the Director was treated fairly and afforded due process to the fullest extent of the public service rules and regulations. The statement added that evidence and correspondence which were provided led to the Commission’s recommendation that Carmichael to be sent on administrative leave.
Carmichael, in a statement on her Facebook page responded to the Department’s statement and said the claim that she was afforded due process was “utterly false and misleading.”
“No one from the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ministry of the Presidency, or the PSC has ever discussed any allegation of wrongdoing with me. I was never spoken to, or written to, about any allegation of wrongdoing whatsoever. I was never afforded a hearing to discuss or defend myself against any allegation of wrongdoing.
“I merely received a correspondence from the PSC dated April 26, 2019 directing me to proceed on administrative leave. I was not provided with any evidence that led to this action. To date, I do not know the reason for this directive.
“I committed no wrongdoing and therefore deny any allegation against me,” she said.