Civil Servants Credited for Country’s Improved Competitiveness Ranking

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, is attributing Jamaica’s improved ranking in the Global Competitiveness Report to the dedication and commitment of public-sector employees.

Jamaica is now ranked 70th out of 137 countries, moving from number 86 some 10 years ago. The World Economic Forum introduced the Global Competitiveness Report in 2004.

“In the last five years, there has been a positive upward trend in our ranking, and most of that has been to be attributed to the work of the public sector,” she said while addressing the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) Men’s Forum at the Jacisera Park Sports Complex in St. Andrew on May 7.

Ms. Williams informed that the first and most important pillar in the global index is institutions, which refers to the Government and its agencies.

She noted that Jamaica has been steadily improving its standing in this category, and for 2017/18 is ranked 63rd in the world.

Meanwhile, Ms. Williams said projects are in place to address public-sector service delivery and strengthen operations under the Public Sector Transformation and Modernisation Programme.

The projects are Business Facilitation and Customer Service; Integrated Information and Communications Technology; Public Sector Human Resource Development and Management; Resource Management and Accountability; and Administrative Efficiency.

“It is incumbent on civil servants to consistently enhance these elements of administrative and service delivery to accept that they are not one-off options but, rather, workplace activities, which are integral to commanding a better space and delivering excellent service,” the Minister said.

Turning to the theme of the Men’s Forum, ‘The Trade Union at a Crossroads, Its Relevance in a Modern Society,’ she said trade unions must seek to ensure their survival in the 21st century.

“Now more than ever, groups of workers, such as civil servants, need to maintain an articulate, positive organisation, which ensures its survival and the contribution that it has been making to country. As a democratic society that champions the rights of individuals, our country affirms the role of trade unions in their remit to enhance the rights of workers in the workplace. As such, trade unions must have a role in modern society,” she said.

Ms. Williams wished the JCSA success as it continues to be relevant in a modern, increasingly competitive and demanding global context.

The JCSA was founded in 1919 and seeks to uphold the highest qualities of professional service to the nation through the guarantee of a highly trained workforce of competent and committed persons whose legitimate interests are safeguarded and affirmed through membership in the organisation.