Jermine Barry. Photo: VINO

Ms. Barry (second from right) with other winners of ‘Employees of the Quarter’ for the third quarter of 2010. Photo: GIS

Ms. Barry, a confident and engaging young lady, sat down with VINO to give an insight into her life as one of the persons who have an intimate knowledge of Premier Ralph T O’Neal.

“It’s a great job and a learning experience,” gushed Ms. Barry.

Initially, when she landed the job in January of 2008 she admitted she was a bit nervous. After questioning herself if she had what it took, Ms. Barry with the support of her family and prayers, pressed on with the vow to execute her responsibilities to the best of her abilities.

Additionally, she was under the impression the Premier would have been difficult to work with.

“I was under the perception that he might be a bit standoffish but I was mistaken. I admire him, and have learned a whole lot from him on the BVI’s history. A lot of functions within the Government I thought I had known after working in Government for more than a decade. And it’s amazing I am still learning from him,” Ms. Barry disclosed. “He [the Premier] is very easy to get along with.”

And after nearly three years, as his Personal Assistant, Ms. Barry stated, “I think I have performed well, and will perform even better in the coming year.”

Her daily routine involves among things, overseeing the Premier’s appointments, attending meetings and taking minutes, interacting with the Premier’s guests and corresponding with the other Departments on behalf of the Premier.

She added: “The telephone calls...the letters it is very busy. I like to be kept busy and it’s one that keeps me busy all the time.  I try to help other people in the office as well.”

Ms. Barry sometimes accompanies the Premier on overseas trips. However, she noted such trips are all about business.

“Persons think you have a fun time but you have to be on the ball to ensure that the Premier’s schedule runs smoothly and effectively...all the planning starts from here,” she divulged.

Nonetheless, her favourite country thus far is Denmark.

Interestingly, Ms. Barry who describes herself as quiet and easygoing person is a whiz in computer software programming.

With her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Computer Information System from the University of the Virgin Islands, she re-entered the public service as a Computer Training Officer.

According to Ms. Barry, she worked in the Information Systems Unit, which is now the Department for Information Technology, for nine years. She fondly recalled her stint in that Department.

“As the Computer Training Officer, I was responsible for training all Government officers to use the new software at that time which were Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and any other new software that was coming in,” she said.

Eventually, Ms. Barry was promoted to Senior Programmer and managed the AS 400 system, an accounting programme that ran the entire accounting system in Government. In that section she was solely responsible for the Customs Automated Processing System.

“I think I did a very good job managing it with the software, installing virus protected software, doing a little programming here and there to ensure the programme was running well,” Ms. Barry recalled with a laugh.

So why the switch to administrative duty?

Ms. Barry admitted she requested a transfer, and was selected by Rosalie Adams to be part of the team that assists the Premier – a job although hectic is fulfilling.

However, before she attended University she was the Secretary to Dr. . Orlando Smith, who was then the Chief Medical Officer at the Peebles Hospital.

“So I entered it with ease. And a change is good. I can always go back in the computer world anytime. But for now I like the change.”

And her hard work has paid off. She is also still recovering from the surprise after being awarded the Employee for the Quarter of the third quarter of 2010 from the Premier’s Group. Ms. Barry was nominated by the Permanent Secretary.

When asked how receiving the recognition has impacted her, Ms. Barry replied, “To be honest I feel appreciated because many bosses always look at the negative things you do instead of the positive.”

The mother of one also credits her employers for being accommodating when it comes to spending time with her daughter.

“Her name is K’Miqua. She is nine and I am allowed to have her in the office where she does her homework in one of the conference rooms. The arrangement benefits everyone. She is closer, she does her home work, she comes to me we check it so when we go home is food, bath and bed,” Ms. Barry said with a smile.

The ambitious young lady was the product of Ebenezer Thomas Primary and the BVI High School and will be pursuing a Diploma in Management at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, which commences in January 2011.

“I don’t plan to stay in this position for the rest of my life. It [diploma] will help me to enhance myself and I will be ready of any managerial position that comes my way. I will not be dropped into anything, and then have to go and be qualified to do my job,” Ms. Barry pointed out.

Her goal is to remain in the public service.

Born and raised in Pleasant Valley, Sea Cow’s Bay, Ms. Barry is grateful to her close knit family for keeping her grounded.

And when she is not attending to the Premier, she loves to play games with her daughter, cook, bake and read.