Road Town, Tortola - Over 150 public servants were recognised for their years of service at a ceremony held in their honour at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Auditorium last week.
The honourees were recognised for 10, 25 and 35 years of service along with those persons who recently retired from the public service.
His Excellency the Governor Mr. David Pearey delivering opening remarks at the ceremony told the honourees to, “Never lose sight of the fact that the people are what matters in the public service. Only through recognising people for the contribution they make, will make this public service even greater than it is already.
“I as Governor feel enormous pride as being the head of the public service to be surrounded by such remarkable individuals.” The Governor shared.
The Governor added, “Thank you for the contributions you have all been making in the last year and in some cases in the last 35 years, and I wish you many more happy years of service and commitment to the people of the BVI.”
The Premier congratulated the recipients and expressed his pleasure that Public Service Week continues annually. He said, “I believe it is a good thing to bring the family of the public service together as they recognise they all work for one government.”
The Premier recognised the organisers for the hard work they put into planning the annual event.
“The Public Service has a big role to play and all efforts have been made to ensure that the public service plays its role as it should. At a time like now when there is a financial down turn and people everywhere are taking exigent measures to combat the situation, I encourage you to hold on and have faith,” Premier O’Neal told the honourees.
Programme Officer for the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD), Mr. Franklyn Michael was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
In his address Mr. Michael spoke about the changes that would have to be put in place in the quest to achieving the vision of a World Class Public Service and eight areas that should be considered to achieving this goal.
The areas are standards, performance, competitiveness, customer service, institutional frameworks, accountability transparency and sustainability.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. V. Inez Archibald. Director of Human Resources Mr. David Archer delivered welcome remarks. The ceremony was chaired by the Employee of the Year for 2009 Ms. Aretha Thomas.
Public Service Week was observed under the theme, “Modernising the Public Service for 2010 and Beyond.” The 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.
British Virgin Islands News