Local News

COMMONWEALTH HELPS STRENGTHEN DECISION-MAKING CAPABILITY

St. George’s, Grenada, November 7, 2008_ The Commonwealth Foundation is assisting the Grenada government to strengthen its decision making capability to enable improved policy solutions and service delivery.

The Foundation is funding a weekend retreat for ministers and other government officials that will help to cover such areas as strategic thinking and decision making, building trust, effective governance and interface between policy makers and the bureaucracy.

The lead facilitator is Mr. Tony Dean, Deputy Minister and Associate Secretary of Cabinet with responsibility for Policy (Canada). The other facilitators are Dr. Peter Philips, former Minister of National Security (Jamaica), who holds a doctorate in International Politics,

Mr. Argar Alexander, Former Secretary to the Cabinet (Grenada) and Mrs. Gloria Payne-Banfield, Former Secretary to the Cabinet (Grenada)

Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas, in addressing this evening’s function, welcomed the assistance of the Commonwealth in strengthening government’s institutional capability to deliver, describing it as “timely and relevant”.

“For us a new government, time is of the essence as one is expected to fit the job immediately. If that is not done quickly, we will incur the wrath of an expectant and demanding populace. This is further compounded by the fact that the operating environment characterized by recession and the lack of confidence in the world’s financial system is not conducive and welcoming,” the Prime Minister said.

He said the new administration has to position itself to motivate and work with a bureaucracy that has been stressed and permeated by political sentiments and sensitivities.

He praised the Commonwealth Foundation for providing “considerable” assistance and programmes designed to improve governance and effective management in the public service. The retreat is being held at the Grenadian by Rex Resorts in Point Saline and runs from Thursday evening through to Sunday..

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