Attorneys defend AG's former secretary
Published:Wednesday | March 23, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
Suggesting that there was a move afoot to discredit Verna McGaw, the former senior secretary who sent a controversial email, allegedly on behalf of Justice Minister and Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne some of the more active attorneys at the Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry, yesterday jumped to the defence of the civil servant.
McGaw, the former senior secretary who worked with Lightbourne in 2009, yesterday sternly dismissed suggestions that she was reassigned because her performance was not up to par.
Still concealed from view due to safety concern, McGaw also dismissed suggestions that she took a $20,000 pay cut as she was appointed to the same position as she was in the justice ministry.
One of Lightbourne's attorneys, Dr Adolphus Edwards, suggested that the attorney general was dissatisfied with McGaw's performance and had her reassigned.
However, McGaw strenuously disagreed with the claim by Lightbourne's legal team.
Distinct disadvantage
As McGaw (at a distinct disadvantage as she was without an attorney) was pressed by Edwards, Oliver Smith, K.D. Knight and Patrick Atkinson moved rapidly to defend her.
Edwards: "I am suggesting that you were reassigned because the minister was not satisfied with your performance."
McGaw: "She never discussed it with me."
Edwards: "You were angry because there was a cut in your salary."
McGaw: "That is not so, sir."
The senior secretary also dismissed Edwards' suggestion that it was the executive secretary who typed all confidential documents.
McGaw contended that she was to be reassigned in July 2008, but Lightbourne refused to let her go as the attorney general had said she was the best secretary she had.
"I asked to go to another ministry, but the minister said she could not release me because I was the best secretary," declared McGaw.
She said she also applied for a post that was advertised on January 4, 2010.
"I got my letter from the HR (human resources) department to take up my appointment.
"The minister said I could not be relieved," said McGaw.
Edwards spent much time probing information in relation to the positions of secretaries in the public service to prove that McGaw was spurned and replaced by other secretaries.
"All the questions asked are irrelevant and some intrusive," declared Knight, the attorney representing the People's National Party.
McGaw, who is still employed in another section of the justice ministry, also refused to divulge why many of her colleagues fled from the minister.
Although McGaw had expressed concerns about her safety, Edwards wanted the civil servant to disclose the department in the ministry in which she currently works.
Knight jumped to her defence.
"It is not fair because we know why," said Knight in clear reference to McGaw's safety.
"Where she works now could jeopardise her."