The head of the Civil Service has refused to discuss whether he plans to retire on his 65th birthday next month, according to Premier Ewart Brown.

But plans are already underway to replace Kenneth Dill with a temporary post-holder, who will serve until a new Premier is sworn-in and can be consulted on a permanent successor.

Major Dill turns 65 on September 21 but sources said last year — after Dr. Brown unsuccessfully tried to manoeuvre him into early retirement — that he had no plans to step down from his position and would probably want to stay until he was 70.

Dr. Brown’s last day as Premier will be October 29 and he announced in a press release yesterday that he had been in contact with the Governor to discuss an “interim arrangement” following Major Dill’s departure.

For the full story see tomorrow's Royal Gazette.