ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 16 NOVEMBER, 2011_ Four Permanent Secretaries have left Grenada to undertake management studies in the United Kingdom. They are Mrs. Ann Isaac, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Ministry, Mrs. Sandra Thomas, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Allison Miller, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Community Development and Mrs. Merlyn St. Bernard, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Public Administration. The Senior Leadership Development Programme, sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat, is part of the Grenada government’s decision to forge partnerships with local, regional and international institu¬tions of repute to build leadership capacity of Senior Managers in the Public Service, as pledged in the 2011 Throne Speech. “The government’s is committed to supporting and developing the capacity of our public officers and leaders in the public service by providing the opportunity to interact with the latest methods and best practices in management, with a view to applying that knowledge in their sphere of operations, ” the Prime Minister, who is also responsible for the Public Service, said Wednesday. Prime Minister Thomas said the training offered by the Commonwealth Secretariat to the senior public officers is in keeping with his government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the service and enhance the leadership capabilities of senior public officials. “We cannot truly get the full benefits of an improved service if at the leadership level, we are unable to provide the skills and responses expected by our people. The public service must indeed respond in a timely and relevant manner to the demands of our changing society,” the Grenadian leader stated. The participants in the two week programme will have a better appreciation of their role as leaders in the public service. They will explore areas of strategic vision, building effective political and intra government relations and cooperation, and increasing excellence in the public service among others.