Civil Service Head, Stanley Oliver, this week confirmed a shuffle of top civil servants.

Citing "Government's ongoing commitment to professional development within the Civil Service" Mr. Oliver announced in a press statement that Dr. Derrick Binns, currently at the Health Ministry, is being transferred to the Ministry of Works and Engineering and Luelle Todd will be the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Services.

Mrs. Todd has acted as Permanent Secretary for Health on several occasions.

Works and Engineering Permanent Secretary Russell Wade will become the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Brian Rowlinson will assume the responsibilities of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, a post currently held by Robert Horton.

"Understandably I am naturally disappointed at not being to complete the new exciting initiatives this Ministry has in the pipeline for this year, but I have every confidence Mr. Wade will do so. Beyond that I have no comment," said Mr. Rowlinson.

Mr. Horton is taking a four months leave early next year and is expected to return to work on June 1st, 2003.

A decision on his future role when he returns has not yet been made.

"Mr. Horton has graciously agreed to spearhead the initiative to promote visibility and recognition of senior executive officers," the statement continued.

"He will also commence in earnest a strategy for enhanced media relations to better inform the public. Ms. Honey Adams, at the Department of Communications and Information, will participate in this initiative with him and involve others so that when Mr. Horton leaves there is continuity and sustainability."

Permanent Secretaries are expected to gain "valuable knowledge as a result of having a wide range of experience in different ministries", according to the statement.

It added that efforts are being made to ensure smooth transitions and that the civil servants are expected to be working at their new responsibilities by February 3, 2003.

When contacted, Mr. Oliver said that he had not decided what role Mr. Horton would be playing when he returns from his vacation.

"I can't speak for Mr. Horton because there's a possibility he may choose to stay more than four months. When he comes back I'll use him as a permanent secretary," he said.

"I haven't decided at this stage I need to see how things are progressing," he said when asked what Mr.Horton's new responsibilities would be.