KINGSTON, Jamaica – Less than 48 hours after he was announced as the new cabinet secretary and head of the public service, Lieutenant General Rocky Ricardo Meade has declined to take up the post.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Meade said that though he was “convinced to continue to serve” and had initially indicated his intention to accept the offer, public discourse regarding his appointment “does not provide a sufficiently settled environment for the assumption of such a significant office.”

“Although I was invited by the Public Services Commission to be considered for the post while I was still a serving officer, the current public discourse does not provide a sufficiently settled environment for the assumption of such a significant office and I will therefore seek His Excellencies’ understanding of my decision to decline,” Meade’s statement read. “I would again like to thank His Excellency the Governor General, the Most Honourable Prime Minister and the Public Services Commission for the consideration and confidence and appreciate their understanding of my position.”

Meade was expected to succeed Ambassador Douglas Saunders, who will be stepping down from the position on October 1.

In responding to his appointment, Meade expressed his optimism about being appointed as cabinet secretary.

“I am humbled and honoured to be considered for this critical role. I pledge to further the positive evolution of the public service for the benefit of the wider society,” he said.

READ: Rocky Meade appointed Cabinet Secretary

Lieutenant General Rocky Meade’s appointment as cabinet secretary was met with skepticism. Senior civil servants expressed concern that it may not be in keeping with a provision of the Jamaican Constitution.

The cabinet secretary is the most senior policy adviser in the civil service. He is secretary to the cabinet, responsible to all ministers for the running of Cabinet, and is also the head of the civil service.

As secretary to the Cabinet he provides support and advice to the Government and oversees the provision of policy and secretariat support to Cabinet and Cabinet committees. He organises the minutes of the Cabinet and conveys the decisions of the Cabinet.

As head of the public service he is responsible for developing a highly professional public service able to effectively execute government business.

Additionally, as head of the Permanent Secretaries Board, he is responsible for guiding the execution of ministry plans that align with Government’s priorities.