Kingstown, St Vincent June 17, 2026 – Prime Minister Godwin Friday has pledged to give public servants greater autonomy, telling government workers they will no longer be subjected to political micromanagement as his administration seeks to improve efficiency across the public sector.
Speaking at the recent public service Thanksgiving church service, Dr Friday said public officers should be empowered to exercise their professional judgement and recognise the importance of the roles they play in the country’s development.
“Do your work once this is your professional judgment do it properly,” the prime minister said.
“You’re not going to be micromanaged by your minister; you’re not going to be micromanaged certainly not by me because you have the expertise.”
The prime minister acknowledged that government processes could be slow but argued that many public servants had operated for years in an environment where they felt compelled to seek political approval before carrying out duties within their professional remit.
According to Dr Friday, this culture left workers “looking over their shoulder” to ensure their decisions were politically acceptable, contributing to inefficiency and slowing national development.
He said his administration intended to break with that approach by placing greater trust in the expertise of public officers and encouraging them to take initiative.
Dr Friday stressed that public servants should regard themselves as essential to the institutions they serve, noting that the work carried out by government employees affects the daily lives of citizens and the wider economy.
He also linked staff motivation to workplace conditions, criticising what he described as years of neglect of public infrastructure. The prime minister said some government buildings had deteriorated significantly, with poor physical conditions contributing to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.
Dr Friday said improving work environments and empowering employees would help foster a more responsive public service capable of supporting businesses and facilitating economic growth.
The government hopes that by reducing political interference and giving public officers greater responsibility, it can bring about what the prime minister described as a shift in attitude across government departments.
Public Service Week culminates with World Public Service Day on 23 June, which honours the contribution of public officers to national development. Activities this year include a digital innovation forum, appreciation events and a public service exhibition