Maurice Smith to leave education ministry

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Maurice Smith, has confirmed that he will demit office at the end of the month.

In a very guarded interview with The Gleaner, Smith revealed that he has already bid farewell to the staff at the ministry. He, however, declined to provide details on the reason for his departure.

Sources from within the ministry have said that the order for Smith's separation from the post came directly from the Office of the Prime Minister. According to the sources, it was felt that Smith was not doing enough to support the education minister.

The Fulbright scholar who came to prominence when he was appointed principal director of the National College for Educational Leadership has been serving as permanent secretary for less than a year.

He was appointed to the post in November of last year after Elaine Foster-Allen, who was permanent secretary in the ministry at the time, was reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Minister of Education Ruel Reid has said he will not be commenting on the matter.