Health and labour ministries to get new permanent secretaries
Published:Tuesday | August 20, 2024 | 2:32 PM
Two new permanent secretaries are expected to be assigned to the ministries of health and wellness, and labour and social security in September.
A permanent secretary is the most senior civil servant in government, responsible for running a ministry.
Colette Roberts Risden, who has served as permanent secretary at the labour ministry since January 2015, is reportedly heading to the United States to become Jamaica's lead on the farm work programme in North America.
The move is reportedly crucial as the US and Canada contemplate policy changes for the longstanding income earner for many Jamaican families.
Chief Technical Director in the ministry, Dione Jennings, is expected to take over the role. Jennings, who has served the public sector for more than 20 years, was once a permanent secretary in the local government ministry.
Meanwhile, public administrator Errol Greene is tipped to head to the health ministry to replace Dunstan Bryan, who is going on study leave next month to pursue a doctoral degree in social protection at The University of the West Indies. His initial leave will be for two years.
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has stated that a final decision has not yet been made.
Greene is no stranger to the health sector. He currently serves as the regional director for the South Eastern Regional Health Authority, which is responsible for delivering health care services in St Catherine, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew.
He has also held positions as director of the Western Regional Health Authority, chief executive officer of the Kingston Public Hospital, town clerk for the capital city, and secretary manager for the St Thomas Municipal Corporation.
Greene and Jennings have participated in transition-related events, including a retreat last week with other permanent secretaries.
A comment has been sought from the Public Service Commission, which is responsible for senior appointments in the public service.
- Jovan Johnson
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