Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Sharon Hicks was on Thursday 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.
Hours after news broke of the arrest, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs last night announced that Hicks was sent on administrative leave.
In a statement, the Ministry said Hicks would be on leave pending the outcome of the police investigation.
After being questioned following her arrest, Hicks was placed on “substantial bail,” Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said day yesterday.
Blanhum said the sting operation was organised after the police 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.
For 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 Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters as the 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 and a Certificate in Developmental Psychology. Hicks previously held the position of Management Development Officer at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Meanwhile, the Ministry also used the statement to address reports in sections of the media which suggested that there was a rift between the Minister and Hicks.
It was explained that Hicks was appointed upon the recommendation of Minister Pauline Sukhai when the PPP/C government assumed office last year.
It was further stated that while reports suggest that duties of the PS were being reassigned to Deputy Permanent Secretary Ryan Toolsiram due to a brewing rift, it is far from the truth. The Ministry said Hicks had proceeded on seven days medical leave and in her absence Toolsiram was carrying out her duties.
