Ministry of National Security

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Assistant Director of Administration at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), Orrette Fisher, has been appointed Acting Director of Elections. His appointment was announced by Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Professor Errol Miller, at a press conference held at the ECJ's Dominica Drive offices, today (May 7).

Assistant Director of Administration at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), Orrette Fisher, has been appointed Acting Director of Elections, following the resignation of Danville Walker on Monday (May 5).

Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Professor Errol Miller, made the announcement at a press briefing held this morning (May 7) at the ECJ's Dominica Drive offices.

Mr. Fisher is the most senior Assistant Director in the EOJ, and he has acted in the position of Director of Elections during the transition period before Mr. Walker was appointed.

Noting that Mr. Fisher had performed competently in that role, Professor Miller said: "therefore we have every confidence that he will be able to manage the affairs of the Commission in an effective manner, and we have confidence that the management team that exists within the Commission is able to perform all the duties and carry out all the responsibilities that will fall to the Commission during this period."

The Chairman also informed, that the Commission had decided to begin the process of seeking a new Director of Elections, and will follow standard procedures in that regard. "We will review the terms of reference and the job description of the Director because we now have to include some mechanism by which we seek a declaration for all who apply for the post, with respect to all prohibitions in law, with respect to holding that post. We will then follow it through with advertisement of the post, the receipt of applications, short-listing and interviewing - the entire nine yards in carrying (the process) out in a transparent methodical and proper manner," Professor Miller told journalists.

The activities to begin this process will be spearheaded by the Commission's Administrative and Finance Committee. No time-frame has been set for the appointment of a new Director of Elections.

Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Professor Errol Miller addresses journalists at this morning's (May 7) press conference, to announce the appointment of Assistant Director of Administration at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), Orrette Fisher as Acting Director of Elections. The press conference was held at the ECJ's Dominica Drive offices in new Kingston.

Meanwhile, in a statement from the Commission read by Professor Morrison, the ECJ expressed deep regret at the resignation of Mr. Walker. "The Commission can understand the choice Mr. Walker has made given the law and obligations to his family. Mr. Walker has served the Electoral Advisory Committee the EAC and the ECJ for 11 years, during which he has performed his duties in an exemplary manner. Mr. Walker has executed and implemented the policies of the EAC and the ECJ with competence and integrity," the statement said.

It further outlined that during his tenure, Mr. Walker had built an excellent management team, introduced many administrative systems and practices, developed good working relationships with the stakeholders and actors in the electoral process, which have earned for the ECJ and the country, an enviable reputation locally, regionally and internationally.

"During his time, continual improvements have been made to our system and there is no doubt that it ranks with the best in the world. The Commission knows of Mr. Walker's biding loyalty and commitment to his native land, Jamaica, and expects that the profound knowledge that Mr. Walker has acquired over these 11 years will not be totally lost to the Commission. Mr. Walker was an outstanding public servant. The ECJ wishes him and his family every success in whatever area he chooses to continue to serve his country," the statement said.

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