Education permanent secretary Warren Jones has resigned his senior Government post to go on to greener pastures in the private sector.

Reports of this departure began circulating this morning, soon after Mr Jones sent out e-mails to various individuals informing them he had tendered his resignation to Cabinet Secretary and Civil Service head Donald Scott.

One source said Mr Jones indicated in the e-mail that he wished to inform them of the move before they “heard it on the grapevine” and that he was made an offer by the private sector that he “couldn’t refuse”.

Another source said they were not surprised by the sudden resignation.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary Ed Ball Jr, when asked for his reaction, wished Mr Jones the best of luck in his future endeavours.

“I was surprised that in the midst of education reform, with a new commissioner, that he has tendered his resignation and I wish him all the best.”

Mr Scott said in a statement this afternoon: “Mr Warren Jones, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, yesterday gave notice of his intention to resign from his post in Government in order to take up an opportunity offered to him in the private sector.

“Mr Jones will conclude 13 years of service in the Civil Service in December 2013. Mr. Jones made a significant contribution to policy development and programme delivery during his 13 years as a senior executive in Government.

“He served as assistant Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Central Policy Unit and prior to his posting to the Ministry of Education, he was permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.

“His leadership and experience will be missed. He will be remembered for his focus on accountability and performance. On behalf of his colleagues and the wider public service, I wish him well.”