ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER. 5th, 2009_ Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has set out his vision for the public service during the opening ceremony of a retreat for senior public officers at the Rex Grenadian Hotel earlier today. The retreat is sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Prime Minister told permanent secretaries and senior public sector officials that they are critical to the implementation of government programmes and policies. He called for leadership that will produce a professional and efficient public service. “Those you manage will follow the example you set,” he told the senior managers, adding that “the Grenadian public expects a public service that is professional and responsive to their needs.” The Prime Minister said his administration will advance a policy of promotion based on merit. He called for a reduction in wastage, especially at a time of global economic crisis and encouraged public officers to employ an attitude of accountability, integrity, honesty and humility. He noted that the role of senior managers is critical to the success of the transformation process, “because you are the leaders of the public service.” The Prime Minister expressed “profound gratitude” to Dr. Joan Nwasike, Adviser, Public Sector Management, Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat for her assistance in supporting the development of the public service in Grenada. The retreat, which is facilitated by Mr. Carl Taylor, ends on Friday morning, while a similar retreat for ministers of government and members of Cabinet will begin on Friday evening. From the Office of the Prime Minister