During the Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on August 26, 2021, Senior Legislator and Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) moved a motion opposing the Government’s move to have Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes appointed as the Acting SSB Director for another six months.

Hon Fraser argued that after serving at the SSB for over 30 years and having vast experience, Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes should not have to act in the capacity of Director of the SSB for another six more months having first been appointed on January 1, 2020, in the first instance, rather, she should be appointed permanently.

Hon Fraser said there was some suspicion over the move and he linked the appointment to women right’s issues. He, however, admitted that even if the Board Members of the SSB did not recommend Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes as a Permanent Director, the HoA can still make the appointment.

During the Eleventh Sitting of the Third Session of the Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on August 26, 2021, Senior Legislator and Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) moved a motion opposing the Government’s move to have Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes appointed as the Acting SSB Director for another six months.

Cheap points being scored - Hon Malone

Meanwhile, Hon Malone is debating the topic said Hon Fraser’s countermotion as seconded by Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) is an attempt at trying to score ‘cheap political points.”

The Health Minister illustrated that the process for naming a permanent Director must be followed ahead of a decision for a permanent appointment even if the HoA can make such an appointment.

Hon Malone said before referring the matter of the appointment of a Director to Cabinet, the subject minister must first consult with the Board of Social Security and also have the matter brought to the HoA.

He said in the case of Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes, an appointment as Permanent Director was not brought to Cabinet and the matter is not before the House of Assembly as is, “It is more about grandstanding more than it is about respect for women,” he said of Hon Fraser’s counter-motion.

Hon Carvin Malone further said that when the issue is eventually brought to Cabinet, he will place his full support for Mrs Jeanette Scatliffe-Boynes to be appointed Permanently at the SSB.

Opposition trying to confuse the issue - Hon Malone

Hon Malone further accused the opposition of trying to confuse what the appointment is about, to push their own agenda, “It's about being divisive, it’s about cheap political shots!” he further lashed out.

Further countering Hon Fraser’s argument, Hon Malone said the issue being raised by the Senior Legislator has nothing to do with his administration having or not having confidence in Ms Scatliffe-Boynes to perform the duties.

Malone further said that when the issue is eventually brought to Cabinet, he will place his full support for Mrs Scatliffe-Boynes to be appointed Permanently.

The debate on the topic is expected to continue when the HoA returns from recess on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 10:00 am