Public Service Day-‘We must ensure citizens’ views are valued’ |23 June 2010

This is the theme of a message for Public Service Day today from Designated Minister Danny Faure, in his new role which covers public administration among his other responsibilities.

Mr Faure’s message reads:

“I am truly honoured to address this message to mark Public Service Day, a day that celebrates the value and virtue of service to the community.

“This year, Public Service Day in Seychelles is being celebrated under a theme that blends a global and a local touch to the event. The theme – Engaging citizens in public service development; Together, Ready for the Future – recognises the commitment of government in strengthening relations with citizens and civil society, and the importance of public engagement in decision-making.

“Citizens’ engagement is a fundamental part of making and carrying out policies in a democratic system. Equally important, it contributes to building public trust in the government.

“In his state-of-the-nation address this year, President James Michel called on the government to intensify efforts to bring government closer to the people and to find innovative ways to engage with the public.

“This is a call for public servants to be outward-looking, to reorient public institutions towards citizen-responsive public services and to be held responsible for encouraging citizens to take part in the process of planning and providing public goods and services so as to increase transparency.

“The overriding sub-theme Together, Ready for the Future as this year’s national theme, invites our citizens to help build a dynamic partnership with broader involvement in decision-making and to enhance social responsibilities. This is a challenge that places our citizens at the heart of decision-making.

“Citizens respond more positively and accept ownership when they know that their voices are heard and their views are valued and considered in decision-making.

“The practice of good governance ensures that decision-making is participatory and includes interaction with and among all stakeholders in society where they are able to articulate common interests and mediate differences – elements that promote the spirit of unity in diversity.

“The government has met on home ground in consultative meetings with members of the public to listen to their views, suggestions and concerns about the government service generally.

“The government, for its part, has undertaken action to address citizens’ concerns, to continue the dialogue with them, and to promote active citizenship by empowering districts through greater autonomy.

“As public expectations and public scrutiny of government standards rise, the government – through its public administration reform programme – has put in place new policies and laws, and new governance institutions have been created to promote transparency and citizen participation.

“However, building citizens’ trust in public service delivery today remains a major challenge. I urge all public servants to remain consistent in their search for new public service delivery initiatives and citizen-responsive public services.
 
“On this special day let us all acknowledge the crucial role that public servants play and support them as they continue to make their full contribution in their pursuit of excellence in public service delivery.

“On behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, I wish all public servants a fruitful day.
“Ansanm Nou Pare Pour Demen!”