The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION Director Jack Thompson has been reassigned as the chief administrator of the country’s 40th Anniversary of Independence Committee.

Prime Minister Perry Christie made the announcement yesterday afternoon at a press conference on Majority Rule Day where members of the Anniversary Committee spoke on the importance of the historic day.

“You would note that Mr Jack Thompson is present at the table,” Mr Christie said. “I have given instructions to the Cabinet secretary to reassign him to the Cabinet Office with particular directions to assume the chief administrative position in the secretariat of the 40th anniversary and all of that, with immediate effect.

“And so there is another who will elevated to the position, with immediate effect, of acting director of immigration.”

Assistance Director of Immigration, William Pratt will take Mr Thompson’s former position.

“Mr William Pratt is a long-term immigration officer who has worked himself up,” the prime minister said.

For his part, Mr Thompson said he is content with his new position and noted his achievements in Immigration.

“Things move in seasons,” he said. “Having served there for four years, I’m pleased with the accomplishments that we have made and I look forward to the challenge.”

Speaking on his new position, he said: “I’m happy to have been invited to serve in this capacity. It’s very historic. As you would have heard the prime minister say, there are a number of events and activities planned for the 40th anniversary.

“We’re not going to celebrate the 40th anniversary again and so I look forward to it. I look forward to working with the committee and executing the government’s agenda in this regard.”