Francis Richardson has been appointed permanent secretary for the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport.Cabinet Secretary Donald Scott announced the appointment yesterday.Said a Government spokeswoman: “As Permanent Secretary, Mr Richardson will have strategic responsibilities for six departments with an annual expenditure budget of $93.7 million, annual revenues of approximately $53.5 million, and a total staff of 570.“In addition to Ministry Headquarters, the other departments are Marine and Ports, Airport Operations, Tourism, Transport Control Department and Public Transportation.”Mr Scott highlighted Mr Richardson’s “long and effective” record in the public service.“He has held the posts of Dockyard Superintendent and Director of Marine and Ports. Prior to those postings, Mr Richardson was an apprentice and then a tradesman in the Department of Marine and Ports.“In addition, Mr Richardson has acted as the Director of Maritime Administration while simultaneously covering duties and responsibilities as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport from April to December 2012.”He continued: “Mr Richardson has accumulated 30 years in public service inclusive of time spent overseas for education and career development.”Mr Richardson holds a master’s degree in marine operations and management from City University of London, and a Class 1 marine engineering certificate of competency, the spokeswoman added.“He has over ten years’ experience in the public sector at very senior levels of management, with proven ability in financial management, personnel management, strategic thinking, policy analysis and formulation, and sound decision-making.”Added Mr Scott: “We are very pleased with his appointment to the senior executive post. We wish him well and look forward to his contributions to public policy initiatives.”Mr Richardson’s appointment was effective from April 1.