Roadtown, Tortola - Government ministries, departments and statutory bodies are gearing up to observe Public Service Week from June 21-27 under the theme, Working Towards a ‘World Class’ Public Service through Continuous Change.”

The ninth annual observance begins on Sunday, June 21 with a message by His Excellency the Governor David Pearey officially declaring the week open.  Activities on Tortola continue on Monday, June 22 with a softball game at the Old Recreation Grounds at   6p.m.

On Tuesday, June 23 Open Houses will be held at all Government agencies to give the public an opportunity to visit the departments and get a better understanding of the processes and services offered.  Additionally, over 200 public servants will be honoured at a ceremony to recognise 10, 25 and 35 years of service at the H. Lavity Stoutt Learning Resource Centre Auditorium at 6p.m.

Wednesday, June 24 Career Day will be held in the Breezeway of the Central Administration Building at 10 a.m. to give public servants and the public as a whole, the chance to learn more about the various careers in the service. Sporting events continue with volleyball at the basketball court adjacent to the band stand.

A Health and Safety Awareness Campaign will also be held in the Breezeway of the Central Administration Building on Thursday, June 25 to educate public servants about the importance of safety in the workplace.

The week concludes on Tortola on Friday, June 26 with a Retirees’ Dinner, which will honour approximately 70 retirees.

On Virgin Gorda, activities include a church service at the Valley Methodist Church; on Monday, June 22 school visits in the Valley and on Tuesday, June 23, will be an Open House and a Health Fair at the Vanterpool Administration Building from 10a.m. Public Servants will visit the Senior Citizen’s Centre on Thursday, June 25 and conclude the week on Friday, June 26 with a health walk from the Virgin Gorda Police Station beginning at 5:30 a.m. and a Social Night at the Old Yard Village at 7 p.m.

On Jost Van Dyke, activities will begin with church services.  There will be an Open House at government offices on Monday, June 22.  Wednesday, June 24 public servants will take part in a health walk from the Administration Building beginning at 5a.m. and the week will conclude on Friday, June 26 with Story Telling and Reading is Fun Time at the Jost Van Dyke Primary School.

Anegada will celebrate Public Service Week on Sunday, June 21 with a church service at the Church of God of Prophecy and a Fun Day at the Anegada Recreation Grounds beginning at 10 a.m. on June 26.

Prior to the week’s celebrations a Public Eye Programme will be held on Tuesday, June 16 beginning at 7 p.m. to discuss the current areas of Public Service Reform.

Public Service Week is held annually to highlight the contribution of the public service to the Territory’s development and give members of the public an opportunity to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the work of the service.