A row is brewing at the Department of Youth over a decision by the Public Service Commission to send the Director of Youth on administrative leave.

In a statement issued last Friday, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton indicated that the Youth Director, Melissa Carmichael, was sent on leave as a legitimate step in an ongoing investigation.

He did not indicate what the investigation was about.

But in a statement of her own, the Director of Youth said she was sent on leave without any explanation.

Ms. Carmichael said it is also false for it to be claimed that she was afforded due process to the fullest extent of the public service rules and regulations.

She said “no one from the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth & Sport or the Public Service Commission has ever discussed any allegation of wrongdoing with her.

“I was never spoken to, or written to, about any allegation of wrongdoing whatsoever. I was never afforded a hearing to discuss or defend myself against any allegation of wrongdoing”, she stated.

Ms. Carmichael said she was directed to go on leave with no reason and was not provided with any evidence that could point to a reason behind the move to send her on leave.

She said she committed no wrongdoing and denies any allegation against her. 

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