Chief engineer takes on acting permanent secretary role
The Ministry of Public Works’ chief engineer has been appointed as its acting permanent secretary from today
Kirk Outerbridge, the director of the Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy plant for 15 years, takes on the role after Randy Rochester retired from the post last week, after almost 40 years of working in government.
Mr Outerbridge’s new acting role includes oversight of Tynes Bay, the Department of Parks, Works and Engineering, the Bermuda Housing Trust as well as water and sewerage.
Randy Rochester, who retired as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works last week, began working in government in 1985.
He also served as the director of the Transport Control Department, where he oversaw the facility’s relocation to North Street, as well as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Reflecting on the many changes in the Civil Service and workforce during his career, Mr Rochester said: “When I started in the Government back in June of 1985, there was a sense of pride we took in working for the Government.
“However, over the years, it seems that the younger generation have a different outlook on working long term at one job generally and move about more frequently.
“I am not opposed to that as I am sure I would do the same if I was coming along today.
“The challenge for the Government is retaining talent as we simply cannot compete with the private sector with the short-term benefits those companies may offer.”
Many of Mr Rochester’s colleagues were said by a government spokeswoman to have regarded him as being “dedicated, fair, patient, professional and supportive”.
Meanwhile, Pandora Glasford was formally appointed as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and the Cabinet Office from August 1.
Her role encompasses the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Post Office and the Office of Project Management and Procurement.
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