BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has produced many scholars, and amongst them is Elvis Newton who can be described as a man with many hats following his recent appointment to the highest office in the Civil Service.
Newton was appointed Head of the Civil Service, and this responsibility was placed on his shoulders when Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas made the announcement at the Inauguration Ceremony of Sir. Edmond Lawrence as Governor-General on Wednesday (Jan. 2).
A veteran of over 30 years in the Civil Service, Newton’s career path began as an educator at the then Newtown Primary School (Tucker Clarke Primary) before moving to the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. And following his tenure at there, he was then employed at the Ministry of Health.
While at the Health Ministry where he worked as a Health Planner, the Bird Rock resident was subsequently appointed Permanent Secretary (PS) of Environment.
He then went on to serve as PS in the Ministries of Health; Community and Social Development; and now in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Newton outlined his first order of business as he takes up his new role as the top civil servant.
“It is to ensure that we change the perception of the general public that the Public Service is not responsive to their needs. So, we want to continue making the changes so that the general public will be very positive towards doing business with the Public Service. So the idea is really to continue to work for change to the way that business is done in the Public Service.
“There are some short term projects that would require immediate action, and one of those projects is to change the way the Public Service does business for them, which could be more responsive to the needs of the public.
“Then there are some medium term measures which focus on ensuring that we work on improving the conditions under which persons are employed in the Civil Service. There are also some longer term measures which include how we incorporate the use of technology to improve efficiency, as well as to save money in terms of how government does business. So what we are going to be focusing on is for medium term and long term strategies in order to achieve the objective of Public Sector Modernisation.”
Newton explained how his experience as a civil servant would assist him as he takes on the challenges of his new job.
“I have been working in the public service for more than 30 years. Incidentally, this year will be my 33rd year. I started in the public service as a teacher before moving to the Ministry of Health and eventually to the Ministry of Homeland Security. So, over the years, I have acquired vast experiences and I have some knowledge of some the gaps and I have some knowledge of the strength of the Public Service.
“I have worked with several persons throughout my career, so I think that based on my years of experience and based on my involvement at different levels, I ought to be able to work along with other persons to bring about other meaningful changes within the service."
He also cited his seniority as what he feels was the main reason behind his appointment.
“I believe they saw me fit because I believe that I’m the most senior public officer working in government. I believe the government may have recognised that I have certain skills and core competent skills which would ensure that I lead the process of Public Service Modernisation.”
Newton said that currently he would be serving a dual role because he still holds the office of PS in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour, Immigration and Social Security.
“Until I am told otherwise and other arrangements are put in place, I am still managing a Ministry.”
Newton added that initially he does not foresee any major challenges in performing the two roles, but stated that it all depends on how the resources given to him are managed.
“It depends on the extent to which I am able to handle the resources that have been handed to me. If I am not able to do that, then it creates a problem in terms of how I manage my time and how I am able to deliver on the timetable the government has.
“Persons who know me are aware that I am a very hard worker. Also, I am very committed to what I do and I am able to work with teams, and those are very important because by myself I would not be able to achieve all the objectives which ought to be achieved.”
Newton opined that managing people is always a challenge and is of the view that if he could get all public officers to bind to the changes he wants to make and also reassure their loyalty and commitment to the Public Service, their efforts would result in success.
