Functions of Heads of Department

Permanent Secretary

The responsibilities of the Permanent Secretary is enshrined in Section 69 of the Constitution of Saint Lucia CAP.1.01 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia. It states:

“Where any Minister has been charged with responsibility for any department of government, he or she shall exercise general direction and control over that department; and, subject to such direction and control, every department of government shall be under the supervision of a public office whose office is referred to in this Constitution as the office of the permanent secretary.”

In essence the Minister is responsible for issuing policy directions to the Permanent Secretary and the Permanent Secretary is responsible for carrying out that policy.  The Permanent Secretary has direct administrative control over the functions of the Department and directs how the policy is carried out.  The Minister is therefore not directly involved in the day-to-day function of the Department.

Solicitor General

Legal Services

Relationship and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Attorney General, the Solicitor General manages legal services within the Attorney General’s Chambers in the provision of professional efficient and ethical services to the Government of Saint Lucia in matters related but not limited to the conduct of Civil Litigation, on provision of legal advice, preparation and vetting of contracts, deeds and other legal documents.  The Solicitor General is required to respond as necessary to the Permanent Secretary on work related issues.

Some of the functions of the Solicitor General include:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Legal Services Division to ensure the provision of effective legal services to the Government of Saint Lucia.
• Supervises the work of staff of the Legal Services Division to ensure that legal services are provided in an efficient and effective manner.
• Supervises the preparation of work programmes of legal officers and assists in coordinating the implementation of legal policies, plans, programmes and projects.
• Functions as delegate of Attorney General and represents Chambers at official meetings and conferences.
• Tenders legal opinions and advises Government Ministries and Departments in Civil Matters.

Registrar

Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property

Relationship and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Attorney General the Registrar is responsible for the regulation of the Companies and Intellectual Property sector, general management and supervision of the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property.  The Registrar is required to respond, whenever necessary, to the Permanent Secretary and the Solicitor General on matters related to work in progress.

Some of the functions of the Registrar include:

• Ensure regulation of the Companies and Intellectual Property sector, in accordance with legislation.
• Ensure timely and efficient registration of Companies and Intellectual Property matters as appropriate.
• Provide general supervision and management of the staff and office.
• Oversee the accounts and prepare the Financial Estimates for the Unit.
• Assists in the organizing of meetings, conferences and seminars in relation to the role of the Department and represent the Attorney General as required.

Director of Legislative Drafting

Legislative Drafting Unit

Relationship and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Attorney General, the Director of Legislative Drafting manages the Legislative Drafting Department and supervises staff of the Department. The Director of Legislative Drafting is required to respond as necessary to the Permanent Secretary on work related issues.

• Some of the functions of the Director of Legislative Drafting include:
• Oversees the general administration and management of the Legislative Drafting Department.
• Drafts Bills for Parliament, Memoranda to Cabinet and Statutory Instruments for approval by Minister.
• Represents the Government at Ministerial and Statutory Bodies on issues relating to the drafting of new laws and amendments to existing laws.
• Provides status of work reports to the Attorney General and the Permanent Secretary.

Accountant

Relationship and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Permanent Secretary, the Accountant manages and supervises staff of the Accounts Unit.  The Accountant is required to respond whenever necessary to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General on work related issues.

Some of the functions of the Accountant include:

• Supervises immediate staff
• Smart stream approval.
• Prepares certain Bank Reconciliation Statements monthly.
• Ensures proper classification of expenditure.
• Prepares Quarterly Allocation of Recurrent Revenue and Expenditure.
• Prepares adjustments to allocation.
• Assists with preparation of annual budget.
• Prepares Reallocation and Virement Warrants and Journal.
• Retires Advance Warrants and Petty Cash Imprest.
• Assists with the preparation and collation of New Initiatives.