Civil Servants Encouraged to Continue Being Driving Force

KINGSTON — Minister with responsibility for the Public Service and Information, Senator the Hon. Arthur Williams, is encouraging civil servants to continue being the driving force for national development.

In his message, read by Director, Strategic Support Unit, Cabinet Office, Sharona King, at the official launch of Civil Service Week 2011 on November 21, at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, in Kingston, Senator Williams said civil servants have stood firm in their commitment to high quality services, despite their own personal and professional challenges.

“We value the tremendous work that you do for the country and the people every day of the year. Through good and bad times, you are always faced with the tough challenges to meet the increased needs of the populace by delivering quality services with less resources. I am proud to say that we have made great strides together and gained a great deal of momentum; however we have a long way to go,” the Minister told civil servants at the ceremony.

The week is being held under the theme: ‘Civil Servants…Repositioning for National Development’.

Highlighting the importance of the theme, Senator Williams said it signals the strong commitment to help advance the efforts and energy required to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

“People are quick to blame you for poor service delivery, some accuse you of outright corruption, while others deem you to be lazy. It is my belief, however, that the majority doing good works get overshadowed by the very few who forget the promise they made to be honest, fair and transparent,” he said.

Turning to the recommendations outlined in the Public Sector Master Rationalisation Plan, the Minister explained that they provide an opportunity to start the realignment of processes and structures to the core business functions and operations of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“It cannot be over-emphasised the critical nature of this transformation process to the economic success and viability of Jamaica. Let me hasten to say once again that the public sector transformation is not about across the board cuts in the public sector. It is about improving the public sector to become leaner, more efficient, flexible, responsive and accountable,” he said.

He argued that the repositioning should not only be about the public service, but also about individuals and their professional and personal development.

“As with all transformation process, workers too need to look within and reassess their goals, priorities and aspirations in life. I want to encourage you to make use of all training opportunities afforded you, especially if it will put you in a better position to compete for other positions across or outside of the service. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become,” the Minister urged.

During the ceremony, Suzan McLennon-Miguel from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was named the 2011 Civil Servant of the Year. Mr. Errol Burnett from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce was named First runner up while the Second runner-up position was copped by L. Seaton Richards from the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

The week, which began on November 20 with a National Church Service at the Mona Baptist Church, will culminate on November 26.

Some of the activities for the week include:  the Jamaica Civil Service long service awards ceremony on November 23; a secondary school quiz competition on

November 24; and brain games after work lyme on November 26.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter