The head of the Civil Service will retire next month on his 65th birthday — but he has failed to inform Premier Ewart Brown of his decision, the latter alleged yesterday.

Kenneth Dill told The Royal Gazette he would step down on September 21 — almost 18 months after Dr. Brown tried unsuccessfully to manoeuvre him into early retirement.

Major Dill confirmed his retirement to this newspaper after the outgoing Premier issued a press release "in response to media inquiries" which said the Civil Service boss would reach retirement age in September.

Dr. Brown said that "despite numerous attempts to contact the outgoing head of the Civil Service, the matter had not been discussed with Mr. Dill."

Plans are already under way to replace Major Dill with a temporary post-holder, who will serve until a new Premier is sworn-in and can be consulted on a permanent successor.

Dr. Brown's last day in office will be October 29 and yesterday's press release said he had been in contact with the Governor to discuss an "interim arrangement" following Major Dill's departure.

Dr. Brown's spokesman said: "The interim arrangement is a matter for the PSC (Public Service Commission) and the Governor but the Premier has expressed the view that the arrangement should not fetter the ability of his successor to participate in the process."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "I have agreed with the Premier and others that when Major Dill retires as head of the Civil Service next month it would make little sense for me to be asked to endorse the appointment of a new permanent head of the Civil Service ahead of the change of Premier in two months time.

"So an acting head of the Civil Service will be asked to take on the work for the autumn."

The release sent out by Dr. Brown's press secretary, Jamahl Simmons, pointed out that public officers appointed under section 82 of the Bermuda Constitution reach retirement age at 65.

In response to further queries, Mr. Simmons said: "For an officer to work beyond 65, he must request it."

He added: "In the ordinary course, the retiring officer would advise his supervisor of his intention to retire; this has not happened in spite of Mr. Dill being invited to advise the Premier of his intentions on more than one occasion.

"It is important to note that with less than one month until he turns 65, the only interim arrangement discussed in the interest of the public service was that between the Governor and the Premier earlier today.

"Mr. Dill has not informed the Civil Service executive of his impending retirement, in spite of meeting with them weekly and, when asked to address the matter, refused."

Mr. Simmons said the Premier had received three calls "indicating that various media was inquiring about a rumour surrounding Mr. Dill's retirement which has been in the public domain for some time".

He added: "The Premier has been repeatedly asked about the matter but did not respond expecting that, in the normal course, an officer of Mr. Dill's seniority, directly responsible to the Premier, would advise him of his status. This has not happened."

Last April, Dr. Brown gave Major Dill a letter asking that he step down with immediate effect. The top civil servant, whose Government career spans 40 years, was said to have been taken aback by the approach. He remained in his post.

PSC chairman Nelda Simons said she was not in a position to discuss Public Service Commission matters with this newspaper.