Foreign Affairs Ministry Marks Service Excellence Month

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is undertaking a week of activities from October 6 to 11 to mark Service Excellence Month.

Under the theme ‘Elevating Service: Above and Beyond’, the week-long observance will focus on activities to enhance awareness about the importance of quality service delivery.

This is in keeping with measures to foster a culture of excellence in customer service across government.

“With modernisation as its goal, the public sector must become the workplace that attracts and retains persons who are skilled, competent and experienced to deliver quality service,” said State Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge.

Mr. Terrelonge was speaking at the launch on Monday (October 7) at the Ministry in downtown Kingston.

“The mandate of Vision 2030 emphasises the need for government agencies to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in rendering quality service to our respective clients. In that regard, a strategic approach was taken in ensuring the rollout of the GOJ’s Service Excellence Programme and Policy in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs),” he pointed out.

Acting Customer Service Manager, Marva Campbell, in her remarks said that the launch “marks not just the beginning of an important event but an acknowledgement of a shift by the Government to modernise service delivery in line with First-World standards”.

She said that the necessary steps have been put in place to ensure that the key customer service officers are equipped with the right resources to efficiently respond to the changing demand of clients.

The official opening ceremony featured a Service Excellence Wall and a week-long trivia contest designed to engage participants and promote awareness about service excellence.

On Wednesday (October 9), a stakeholders’ forum will be held, bringing together senior officials from various agencies, including the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, and the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).

This forum aims to facilitate discussions on best practices and strategies for enhancing customer service across government entities.

The week will culminate on October 11 with an exciting talent show where staff members will showcase their talents while demonstrating their understanding of this year’s theme.

This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and teamwork within public service.