Permanent Secretary (Ag) in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas

Ms. Michelle Anne Thomas holds the position of Permanent Secretary (Ag.) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. She first assumed duties at the Ministry on March 25, 2025, and, following a brief tenure as Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism from July 7 to September 10, 2025, she returned to continue her leadership role within the Ministry.

Ms. Thomas brings extensive leadership experience, having served as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security from January 2023, and previously holding senior positions in the Ministry of Education, including Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary.

Her distinguished public service career spans key positions across various Ministries and Departments. She previously served as Director of Corporate Services at both the Personnel Department and the Ministry of Finance, and as Senior Human Resource Adviser in the Scholarships Division of the Ministry of Public Administration. Her experience also includes work in Training, Change Management, and Research, with postings at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, the Office of the Prime Minister, the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme, and the Ministry of Social Development.

Beginning her public service journey as a Clerk I in the Immigration Department, Ms. Thomas has risen through the ranks with commitment and excellence. She has also served as a part-time lecturer, delivering courses in Strategic Management, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Career Management, and Drug Abuse Prevention.

Ms. Thomas holds a Master of Business Administration (Marketing), a Bachelor of Science in Social Science, a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management and Strategic Planning, and Certification in Addiction Studies. Her academic background and broad professional experience make her a valued addition to the Ministry’s executive leadership team.

Outside of her professional achievements, Ms. Thomas also has an earlier background and continued interest in Art and Music, fields that have helped shape her holistic approach to leadership and personal development.