Local Government staff had their first official meeting with their new Permanent Secretary Robert Rainford on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at the Ministry’s Hagley Park Road offices. Mr. Rainford succeeds Mrs. Sharon Crooks who has been assigned to the Ministry of  Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change.

The Permanent Secretary took the opportunity to express his views on his new assignment, telling staff that he welcomed the opportunity to work with them especially as the Ministry of Local Government & Community Development touches the life of every citizen. He said he was looking forward to accomplishing great things together.

Mr. Rainford also briefly outlined his expectations as well as his approach to work and leadership. He noted  that he was relying on the support of the staff to build on the achievements of the Ministry and to move the Ministry further ahead in accomplishing its mandate.  He added that he is a firm believer in teamwork as it was the only way to achieve organizational objectives.

‘Everyone should be intimately acquainted with the mission of the organization and give of their best towards its achievement ‘ he declared.

Robert  Rainford comes to the Local Government Ministry from the Ministry of Justice where he served as Permanent Secretary since 2009.