Count of Mintz
His Lordship, the Count of Mintz, Michael Whyte, has been a member of the Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica since February 2005 and served in several ministries in the Grand Ducal Cabinet.
| His Lordship The Count of Mintz | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Office | 19 April 2005 - January 2006 |
| Preceded by | Office Established |
| Successor | Baron Stogner |
| In Office | 24 January 2005 - 19 April 2005 |
| Preceded by | Office Established |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Born | 1978 |
A friend of the Duke of Ravencroft, Michael was recruited into Westarctica's government to serve as the Duke's Deputy Minister of Information. However, he noticed some processes in the country's immigration system that could be streamlined and updated, so he requested to be given responsibility over the Ministry of Immigration. Grand Duke Travis then promoted him to the office of Minister of Immigration, making him the first incumbent of the post.
Activities as Government Minister
The Count was one of three members of the Grand Ducal Cabinet who participated in Westarctica's first cabinet meeting on 23 April 2005. The complete minutes of the meeting were recorded by the Duke of Ravencroft (who, at that time, carried the title Marquis de Merovingi).
His Lordship strongly advocated for outreach among the members of the Society for Creative Anachronism with the goal of increasing citizenship in Westarctica. He also expressed an interest in finding ways to monetize Westarctica's vast territory, particularly through leasing water rights to impoverished countries. The Count made suggestions that included creating an offshore tax haven for corporations as well as turning Westarctica into a multinational corporation in lieu of a sovereign nation.
Peerage title
Michael was granted the peerage tile Count of Mintz, named for Mintz Peak near Mount Sidley on 3 February 2005 in recognition of his work as Deputy Minister of Information.