The Public Service is facing yet another major shake-up as Social Investment Secretary Andrew Coster has resigned effective immediately. A move that signals what many are calling a long-overdue clean-out of senior officials with troubled leadership histories.

Coster, previously Police Commissioner, was stood down in November after the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a damning report outlining a catalogue of leadership failures in the handling of serious allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche confirmed Coster’s departure, saying he would have dismissed him if a resignation had not been offered. Coster will receive three months’ pay in lieu of notice, along with any accrued leave.

In a statement, Coster accepted full responsibility, saying:

“The decision is a result of my acceptance of full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the IPCA’s review… I got this wrong.”

The IPCA’s findings have intensified public scrutiny on the culture and accountability of top-tier government executives. Critics argue that Coster’s exit should mark the beginning of a broader clean-up across the public service. Especially for leaders with chequered pasts whose decisions have eroded public confidence.

With the Social Investment Agency now leaderless and trust shaken. The Government faces renewed pressure to ensure transparent, accountable, and trustworthy leadership at every level.

Is this resignation the first step in restoring public faith?
Or just another high-profile exit in a system long overdue for reform?