It was just yesterday Governor John Rankin announced he had instructed the Commissioner of Police Mark Collins to undertake several criminal investigations into government departments and agencies as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry report.

One such investigation is into the conduct of the Premier’s Office, under former Premier Andrew Fahie, in obstructing the Director of the Internal Audit Department in respect of her audit of the COVID-19 Assistance Programmes.

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Premier Wheatley said: “Currently, the permanent secretary is on leave, while those [criminal] investigations are ongoing”.

When pressed as to why she was being placed on leave, Dr Wheatley said he could not disclose that information as the Deputy Governor, David Archer Jr, would be the best person to comment on the situation.

“It is not my area of responsibility as Premier so you would have to direct that to the Deputy Governor, and I would prefer for him to answer,” Dr Wheatley said.

“The deputy governor told me that she was on leave while those investigations take place,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Premier gave an update regarding the rogue officer who circulated a letter from the Premier’s Office indicating support for former Premier Fahie’s application for diplomatic immunity in the United States Federal Court.

He noted the officer has been found and investigations are ongoing.

“The Deputy Governor would be the best person to give an update on that but as I have been told, that officer has been on leave from the Premier’s Office while the investigation ensues,” Dr Wheatley said.