EBC head, no relation of Minister

Chief Elections Officer Fern Narcis-Scope is not the first cousin of Minister of Public Administration Maxie Cuffie, the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) said yesterday, in reply to queries by Newsday.

Newsday asked if she had a suitable background to hold that post in light of allegations that she was a minister’s first cousin. The EBC replied, “Mrs Narcis-Scope is not the first cousin to a Cabinet Minister. That pronouncement is incorrect. Mrs Narcis-Scope was appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and as such we believe she possesses the requisite credentials to be Chief Elections Officer.”

Asked is she is yet in office or whether her appointment was on hold given the allegations, the EBC said, “Mrs Fern Narcis-Scope is in office, her appointment was with effect from September, 18.”

As to what sort of background check her nomination was subjected to, the EBC said, “You may need to liaise with the Public Service Commission as to any due diligence or background checks done on applicants. The process of interviewing and appointing a chief election officer is the responsibility of the said Commission.”