This Manual is the result of the first comprehensive review of Cabinet procedures for many years, with input from experienced Ministers and Permanent Secretaries. The procedures incorporated here build on the successful operation of the Cabinet system in Grenada and draw on experience with Cabinet government in more than 20 other countries, many of which have government structures similar to Grenada, based on the Westminster system.

As the Prime Minister has emphasized, the Manual includes some key changes in procedures designed to assist the Cabinet to make evidence-informed decisions that can, and will, be implemented.

Permanent Secretaries and other senior Ministry officials need to take careful note of the requirements set out in this Manual, which require them to make greater use of evidence in preparing policy proposals for Cabinet submissions. This includes: evidence showing that the proposal is based on an adequate understanding of the problem being addressed; evidence that the proposed intervention will work in the Grenada context; evidence that it will be cost-effective relative to other options; and evidence that the intervention is feasible given the financial resources and institutional and human capacity available to us. The Manual also requires Ministries to consult more carefully with other Ministries when preparing draft submissions and requires summary implementation plans to be attached to complex submissions.

The Manual places more pressure on the Cabinet Office as well, for example to help the Prime Minister focus Cabinet meetings on major strategic issues, as well as giving members of the Cabinet more time to review submissions before each meeting. My office is also required to provide greater support to Ministries, both in preparing policy proposals and in implementing Cabinet decisions that require coordination across multiple Ministries.

I therefore look forward to the cooperation of Permanent Secretaries, as well as my own staff, to implement these revised procedures agreed by the Cabinet.

Finally, I should emphasize that the Cabinet Office exists to support the collective work of the Cabinet and to support individual Cabinet members. Together with my staff, I pledge to all members of Cabinet that we are committed to support your critical roles under the Constitution of Grenada. As part of that commitment, we are available at any time to discuss the support we can provide to you and the officials in your Ministries.