International Public Service Day-VP Belmont urges public sector to be role model in service delivery |23 June 2006

This comes in Vice-President Belmont's message on the occasion of the International Public Service Day being celebrated Friday June 23.

The full text of Vice-President Belmont's message reads:
"Over the last two years the public sector environment has changed significantly with the setting up of new quasi-autonomous public sector agencies which have taken on functions previously discharged directly by Government.

"This approach allows Government to focus better on its policy-making role, leaving policy implementation and service delivery to be undertaken by specialized public sector agencies. 

Government’s role is to establish a framework within which all stakeholders, whether in the public or private sectors, can work together in harmony to realise national development objectives.
"There is therefore a need for a paradigm shift in the approach to public sector administration, that is, moving away from a highly centralised bureaucratic model to one which empowers public sector organisations to operate in a transparent and accountable manner while remaining responsive to the specific business environment within which they operate.

"This model also calls for a high level of management expertise in the public sector, and Government is encouraged by the emphasis being placed by organisations in the development of their human resources, especially those responsible for administration and management.

"Indeed, our human resources are the most important resource in any organisation, but especially so in the public sector where good service, competence and efficiency are paramount.  The public sector must aim to be the role model in service delivery.  We must show efficiency, timeliness and responsiveness in all our interactions with the public.  We must remain sensitive to public needs, and be prepared to explain our actions and decisions at all times.

"The Seychellois people have high expectations of its public service, and rightly so.  

Working in the public sector is challenging, but for those of us whose reward is the joy of giving maximum satisfaction to our clients, public service is more than just a duty, it is also a privilege.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all workers of the public sector for their hard work and devotion to duty, and to wish them continued success.  As we celebrate 30 years of Independence, let us all strive to give of our best, to ensure that our public service is one that enjoys the trust and confidence of every Seychellois."