CPO Public Service Day Message
As we commemorate the 21st anniversary of Public Service Day, it can be considered one of the more significant observances initiated by the United Nations, as it highlights the invaluable contributions of the dedicated men and women who serve their fellow citizens as consummate professionals and loyal Public Officers.
In recognising the significance of this special day, I would like to draw attention to the demands and the complexities of Public Service work which must remain consistent with global, economic, and technological trends. In drawing reference, the COVID-19 Pandemic provided us with that unexpected first-hand experience of exploring and implementing new and creative ways of operating, while maintaining a robust service delivery system within the various sectors throughout the Public Service.
Additionally, creating a culture that reinforces good behaviours by recognising and rewarding staff, remains essential to driving positive change within the wider Public Service. As Chief Personnel Officer, over the last three (3) years, I have been observing the quality of Public Service delivery and have taken steps to contribute to a number of noteworthy initiatives and develop strategies to enhance service delivery. These include: robust training and developmental programmes that support the work of internal and external stakeholders, enforcing the Public Service Guidelines and strengthening the Performance Management and Appraisal System to measure performance and assist with creating more efficient and sustainable ways of operating. These measures are intended to enhance the capacity of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to address challenges and deliver on their goals and objectives.
Furthermore, I am proud to announce that the Personnel Department is the first in the Public Service to implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as a tool to measure both organisational and individual (ranging from executive level staff to maids) performance and strengthen service delivery.
A great number of the nation’s Public Officers continue to rise above the various challenges that are presented on a daily basis. The recent Labour Day celebrations reverberated workers’ dissatisfaction with Government’s 4% salary increase offer. Be that as it may, as the principal negotiator with the Unions/Associations on behalf of the Government, I wish to remind every Public Officer at this time that the Government’s priority remains the preservation of jobs. You may be aware that
several CARICOM countries such as Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Jamaica have implemented wage freezes as well as, retrenched workers in their Public Service as a means of reducing expenditure due to difficult economic times, thus far, these measures have not been implemented in Trinidad and Tobago.
In closing, the role of the State as an employer cannot be distanced from its role as manager of the economy. Let us continue to work towards rebuilding our economy and contribute to national development. I urge all Public Officers to be more resilient and continue to strive in making a meaningful difference in the provision of excellence in service delivery to citizens.