Two new permanent secretaries are due to be appointed to the Ministries of Health and Human Services and Labour and Social Security in September.
The Permanent Secretary is the most senior civil servant in the government and is responsible for running a ministry.
Colette Roberts Risden, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour since January 2015, is reportedly heading to the United States to take charge of Jamaica’s agricultural labour programme in North America.
The move is reportedly crucial as the United States and Canada consider policy changes to a long-standing source of income for many Jamaican families.
The department’s chief technical director, Dion Jennings, will take over the role. Jennings has worked in the public sector for more than 20 years and was previously permanent secretary to the Department of Local Government.
Meanwhile, Errol Green, a public administrator, is expected to take up the post at the Ministry of Health, replacing Dunstan Bryan, who is due to take up a two-year study leave next month to pursue a PhD in social security at the University of the West Indies.
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said a final decision had yet to be made.
Green is no stranger to the medical sector, currently serving as Regional Director for the South East Regional Health Authority, responsible for providing health services in St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew.
He also held positions such as Western Regional Health Officer, CEO of Kingston Public Hospital, City Clerk of the Capital and Secretary General of St Thomas City Council.
Greene and Jennings have been participating in transition-related events, including a retreat with other permanent secretaries last week.
The Civil Service Commission, responsible for appointments to senior civil service positions, was approached for comment.
– Jovan Johnson
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