Lormeka Williams appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary  

#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – The Office of Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Lormeka Williams to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy effective 7 August 2023.

Mrs. Williams holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology and General Studies from the College of the Bahamas (now University of the Bahamas) and began her career with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) in 2007 as a science teacher at Clement Howell High School, with a passion for the wildlife and natural environment.

Using a variety of hands-on learning methods, her passion inspired students in the field of environmental studies, and this led to the development of a school-based Environmental Club and a special project with the Turks and Caicos Islands National Trust to create a plant nursery at the school.

In 2010, Mrs. Williams joined the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) as National Environmental Centre Curator. In this role, she was instrumental in revitalizing the Junior Park Warden Programme and new activities to help participating youth better appreciate the Turks and Caicos Islands’ natural environment. She also worked closely with international organizations such as Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Darwin Project and the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Conservation Forum on various conservation projects and initiatives.

Mrs. Williams shares a love and passion for helping those most vulnerable in our communities. This led to a brief departure from public service in 2012 to take on a leadership role with the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross as its Director. She assisted in the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, was influential in the formation of the youth arm, and led various groups of young persons on both local and regional youth camps and skill-building excursions to introduce young Turks and Caicos Islanders to new cultures and build core leadership values.

In 2016 Mrs. Williams was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship and attained a Master of Science Degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Upon completion and return in 2017, Mrs.  Williams re-joined TCIG as the Deputy Director of DECR and was later promoted to Director in 2019. Throughout her tenure with DECR, she spearheaded numerous efforts, including developing and implementing several successful internationally funded projects (including the Blue Belt Programme), revising the National Parks Ordinance, and implementing the new Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance.

Mrs. Williams, in commenting on her appointment, stated:

I am humbled and thankful for this opportunity to serve my country in this new capacity.

I want to thank my husband, family, and friends for their unwavering support throughout my career. I also want to thank the Governor and Deputy Governor for their faith in my ability. I promise to contribute as best as I can to enhance our country’s public services.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs. Williams, stated:

“It is with great pleasure that I officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Lormeka Williams on her appointment to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy.

Mrs. Williams’ functions will include assisting the Premier with critical initiatives, including the ongoing work of the National Delivery Unit, developing key strategies across government, and establishing a fully functional communications framework.

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Mrs. Williams!