and civil servants next week.

Premier Jennifer Smith said that the "retreat'' would give Cabinet Ministers and Permanent Secretaries the chance to discuss issues of common interest -- with senior figures from the Commonwealth Secretariat to offer advice.

Ms Smith added: "It is important for a new government to establish grounds of mutual understanding with the senior civil servants who are responsible for carrying out the government's policies.'' And she added: "We're pleased that we have been able to secure the expertise of the Commonwealth Secretariat to facilitate the process and I look forward to productive discussions.

The meetings -- set for next Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hamilton Princess -- will cover national objectives, policy co-ordination, public service accountability and the role of the Cabinet Office.

The event will be run by Commonwealth Secretariat officials Dr. William Plowden, Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie and Dr. Sam Agere.

GOVERNMENT GVT