Bermuda government appoints new Financial Secretary
The Bermuda government has appointed a new Financial Secretary, the top civil servant responsible for executing Bermuda's fiscal policy and ensuring the island's public finances are in good order.
Chidozie Ofoego will come to Bermuda to take up the post, having previously been director of financial reporting and planning at Imperial College, London.
Ofoego, a chartered accountant who has an MBA from Imperial, also held directorship positions for several of Imperial's commercial subsidiaries and had previous government experience with the London Borough of Hounslow.
He succeeds Acting Financial Secretary Cheryl Lister, who has held the post since the death of Anthony Manders in January, 2021.
Ofoego will work under the policy direction of the Premier and Minister of Finance, David Burt. He will be responsible for the Ministry HQ, Accountant General’s Department, Social Insurance Department, Office of the Tax Commissioner, Customs (Tariff and Duty Collections) and the Registrar of Companies.
The Finance Ministry also works closely with other Government departments on the development of legislation and policy for international business, including re/insurance.
Ofoego’s appointment became effective on April 1. Lister will remain onboard during the transition period functioning as a Senior Adviser to the Minister of Finance and Financial Secretary.
the Government announced that Jennifer Attride-Stirling has ben appointed Deputy Head of the Public Service.
She will be responsible for overseeing administrative policy development, updating relevant regulations and procedures, improving performance, developing capacity and enabling innovation. Attride-Stirling will also support the Bermuda Government’s union negotiations, disciplinary proceedings and assist in the implementation of the updated Public Service Reform strategy.
She is currently Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Economy and Labour. During 2023, she served in the Ministry of Finance undertaking special projects.
Prior to that role, Dr. Attride-Stirling was Permanent Secretary of Culture and Sport from 2021 to 2022. She served as the Chief Strategist for the Ministry of Health from 2019 to 2020 and was the Permanent Secretary of Health from 2015 to 2019. Notably, she oversaw the strategic development and publications of key policies including the National Sports Policy, Youth Policy, and the Bermuda Health Strategy. Prior to joining the Government, she was Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Health Council from 2009.
She obtained her doctoral degree from the London School of Economics in 1998; has an Executive Diploma in Strategic Management from the Chartered Management Institute, UK; and has completed certifications in Executive Leadership from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Her appointment takes effect on May 1, 2024.
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