The permanent secretary for a now dissolved ministry has retired, a Government spokeswoman has announced.

Wayne Carey, who served for the Ministry of Social Development and Sport, stepped down from Government service today.

Derrick Binns, the head of the Public Service, thanked Mr Carey for his “dedicated and committed service”.

Dr Binns added: “Mr Carey has had a long and effective career in government, and in each capacity he has served, he proved to be an invaluable asset to the public service.

“I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Mr Carey for his stellar service and wish him well in his retirement.”

Mr Carey’s career with Government spanned 13 years.

He began as the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Environment in January 2005.

In May 2007, he was named permanent secretary of the Ministry of Social Rehabilitation.

The ministry amalgamated with Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs in November of that year.

Mr Carey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from York University, and a Master of Science in aquatic science from Guelph University, both located in Ontario, Canada.

News of the departure came in a press release advising of changes to permanent secretary assignments issued this afternoon.

The assignment shake-up comes after number of changes to the Government announced last week.

A Government spokeswoman said: “As part of the restructure, the public will note that the Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism was dissolved and its permanent secretary, Christopher Farrow, was reassigned to the Ministry of Labour, Community Culture and Sports.

“The public will note that during Mr Farrow’s time in Government, he served as the chief surveyor for the Ministry of Public Works and also held acting permanent secretary appointments.”