With the assurance that she will seek to be independent and transparent in her duties, former educator Sylvia Findlay-Scrubb took the oath of office, making her the new Supervisor of Elections of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Findlay-Scrubb was sworn in as Supervisor on Monday, January 26, by Governor-General Sir Fredrick Ballantyne, at Government House. Several government officials also witnessed the event, and they included Speaker of the House of Assembly Hendrick Alexander, Government Minister René Baptiste and Opposition Senator St. Clair Leacock, among others.

After taking the oath, Findlay-Scrubb acknowledged not only the goodwill and support of friends and well-wishers, but noted that the post was not one that was to be taken lightly.

“I have no illusions about the seriousness, the responsibility and the trust that have been placed in me… I wish to assure you that as I take up the office of the Supervisor of Elections, I will continue to uphold the high ideals which I have held as a public servant in this country,” She said.

The 37-year veteran vowed to continue as a true professional, and maintain the high standards, to ensure that the electoral process moves to the highest possible realm.

On her swearing-in, Findlay-Scrubb was congratulated by the Governor-General, Baptiste and Leacock, who all expressed confidence in her.

“We welcome this appointment and we will exercise all the vigilance and give all the support,” Leacock stated.

He added that “anything that can enhance this office to ensure free and fair elections certainly would receive the support of our political party.”

The opposition New Democratic Party had boycotted the Constitutional Review process last year; one of its gripes was with the then Supervisor of Elections Rodney Adams.

When she had her turn, Minister Baptiste said Findlay-Scrubb was selected for the position because of her familiarity with the election process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and assured the Vincentian public that the Electoral Office and its workings will be transparent.

Sir Frederick called on the new supervisor, who he called a great lady of honour, to live up to her reputation, and be very open to scrutiny of all and sundry.

“The foundation of any democracy rests on free and fair elections; you are, therefore, the guardian of that pillar, which constitutes the very basic foundation of our civilization,” the Governor-General said.

Findlay-Scrubb replaces Adams, who had been the supervisor for more than five years.