Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon Hicks was yesterday afternoon arrested by police after she was allegedly caught in a sting operation accepting a bribe from a contractor, who provides security services to the ministry.
Hicks after being questioned was placed on “substantial bail”, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said today as he confirmed the investigation.
According to Blanhum, the sting operation was organised after they received reports of the PS demanding cash from the contractor in exchange for services at the Ministry.
The Crime Chief added that after Hicks was caught in the operation she was told of the offence and taken into custody.
In the operation, Police used marked bills which were handed over to her by the contractor. Those bills were found in her possession.
After being questioned she was released on bail and was asked to report to the CID, Headquarters as investigations continue.
Just a year ago, Hicks was appointed to the post of PS in the Ministry.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from the University and a Certificate in Developmental Psychology. Hicks previously held the position of Management Development Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Tonight the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs issued the following statement:
“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs wishes to inform the public that on October 7, 2021 the Permanent Secretary, Sharon Hicks, has been sent on Administrative leave pending the outcome of a police investigation relating to the matter in the public domain.
“The Ministry also wishes to respond to the issues circulating in the public about its Officials. It was the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, whose recommendation resulted in the appointment of Ms. Hicks to the position of Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs under the PPP/C Government. Additionally, there was one occasion when the Permanent was on a seven (7) days sick leave where the DPS was assigned the duties in her absence, putting to rest the claim that the DPS was executing the duties of the Permanent Secretary while she was on duty. The Ministry wishes to state that at no time was any vehicle registered to the Ministry assigned to any close relative of the Minister”.
