Director of Children’s Authority resigns

This was revealed in a statement to the media issued yesterday by the board of the Children’s Authority. The board said Bernice Rouse-Wharton will act as director until one is chosen.

It stated that Ali-Abdullah, who took up the challenge to lead the pioneering team to get the Authority operational, has decided to move on “now that the Authority is positioned as the hub in the child protection sector.” Ali-Abdullah is quoted as saying that “while the experience at the Authority has been exhilarating, I am looking forward to an equally exciting future which includes assisting my country to advance its economic development agenda.” Stephanie Daly, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Authority, said Ali-Abdullah’s “sterling leadership and resilience were instrumental in her achieving the mammoth task of setting up the organisation.” She noted that the achievements to date would not have been possible, were it not for the extraordinary commitment and dedication of Ali-Abdullah.

“This has been her decision, which we have to respect,” Daly said.

“But I can say with total confidence that the Board would have been delighted to renew her contract.” Daly noted, too, that Ali-Abdullah has done a lot for the Authority in her time there, and therefore, the Authority is indebted to her.