For the first time, Grenada has appointed a female to the post of Comptroller of Customs within the Ministry of Finance.
Karen Forsyth-Hall assumed the position this week on appointment of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
She is taking over from Algernon Belfon who has been acting in the post for a few years now.
A source close to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government denied that a political decision was taken to remove Belfon from the position on the grounds that he is suspected to be closely aligned to the opposition New National Party (NNP) of Keith Mitchell.
He said that the PSC advertised the vacant position and in the process that followed Forsyth-Hall emerged at the top of the list.
THE NEW TODAY cannot confirm reports that Belfon did not apply for the position on the grounds that he did not possess the qualifications set by the PSC.
The source also rejected claims being made in certain opposition quarters that Belfon was fired as acting Comptroller of Customs.
According to the insider, he was merely reverted to his substantive position of Supervisor at Customs.
One retired senior public servant referred to Belfon as one of the most knowledgeable at the Customs Department and was “well schooled in the Customs rules.”
The new chief at Customs is the wife of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ryan Hall who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF).
She is also the daughter of the late Meryl Forsyth who had served as Cabinet Secretary under a former New National Party (NNP) government of Keith Mitchell.
The mother, who was perceived to be close to former Finance Minister George Brizan of the Congress party, was among the first set of senior public officers who were removed from their positions by Mitchell on assuming the position of Prime Minister for the first time in June 1995.
He later recalled Forsyth and allegedly issued a private apology to her stating that he was “misled” into taking action against her and promoted her to serve as Secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers.
A GIS release reads:
The Ministry of Finance announces the appointment of Mrs. Karen Forsyth-Hall to the post of Comptroller of Customs, Customs and Excise Division.
Mrs. Forsyth-Hall’s appointment as Comptroller took effect on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Mrs. Forsyth-Hall joined the Customs and Excise Division in 1997 as a Customs Clerk and over time, rose through the ranks to eventually attain the highest level within the organisation.
Prior to this new appointment, she functioned in the capacity of Deputy Comptroller of Customs. Mrs. Forsyth-Hall holds a Master of Science Degree in International Trade Policy and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Studies. She brings a wealth of experience in Customs to the role.
The Ministry of Finance congratulates Mrs. Forsyth-Hall on her appointment and extends best wishes for success during her tenure in the office of Comptroller of Customs.
Mrs. Forsyth-Hall replaces Mr. Algernon Belfon as acting Comptroller. The Ministry publicly thanks Mr. Belfon for his service, and conveys sincerest wishes for continued success in his public service career.