Scores of Public Servants started the week with a Church Service at the Kingstown Seventh-day Adventist Church on Monday June 17th to kick-start their celebration of Public Service Week 2019.
The Public Sector Reform Unit in the Service Commissions Department is joining the International Community to celebrate Public Servants and their contribution, through the hosting of Public Service Week from June 17th to 23rd with a range of activities which began with the church service.
The Service was a rich blend of praise and worship, prayers and addresses which were all conducted by Public Servants. Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Sir Louis Straker addressed the Public Servants outlining the objectives of the week of activities which include, creating avenues for exchange of experiences, ideas, innovations and good practices in the public service and sensitizing Public Servants on the importance of streamlining gender and diversity.
Sir Louis stressed the importance of unity among public servants to get the job done effectively. He referenced this Country’s recent historic election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, pointing out that it was achieved by the hard work of public servants who united at different levels to achieve the goal. The acting Prime Minister also challenged the Public Servants to remain true to their calling as servants of the people and to serve the public with humility and professionalism.
Senior Education Officer, Mrs. Hannah Browne delivered a stirring message to her fellow public servants. Guided by the Biblical Story of Barack and Deborah found in Judges Chapter 4, Browne challenged the Public Servants to use their talents and diversities to make a positive difference. She challenged them to shine wherever they are planted noting that regardless of position, rank or salary, public servants must perform their duties to the best of their ability.
Public Service week runs from June 17th to 23rd under the theme “Promoting gender and Diversity Public Services to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.” Other activities for the week include Inter-Ministerial Staff Internship on June 19th and 20th. A Gender and Diversity Symposium at the Peace Memorial Hall on Friday June 21st, movie night at the Peace Memorial Hall on Saturday June 22nd and an address by Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Sunday June 23rd.