His Excellency The Governor David Pearey: GIS

The theme for this year’s celebrations – “Modernising the Public Service for 2010 and Beyond’ – is very timely. The theme is not only forward-looking but also invites us to reflect on how much the Public Service has grown and evolved.  In particular it poses the very necessary question whether, in 2010 in the face of significant budgetary pressures, we should not all be seeking ways to offer our key services at far lower cost.  The answer to that question has to be a resounding “yes we should” and I invite all public servants to contribute actively to this essential drive for greater efficiency.

With modernisation also come expectations and demands from our customers and clients for increased transparency and better levels of service.  These calls too we should not ignore.  With shrinking borders and technologically savvy citizens, the contributions of a modern public service are essential to our economic well-being. In this increasingly inter-connected world we can all think of numerous reasons why the push for service excellence is embedded in our service charters and why the ‘one-stop-shop’ for certain government services has become even more appealing to today’s users.

I am pleased to highlight the fact that most of our ministries and departments have taken up the challenge to modernise and in so doing have introduced comprehensive change programmes that are forcing them to restructure and re-focus.  Such changes will be evident, I am sure, as you visit our various offices during their Open House Days for Public Service Week.  I invite you to take advantage of these opportunities to ask questions, make suggestions and learn as much as you can about how these agencies interface with members of the public.

The organisers for Public Service Week have deliberately designed a programme of activities that will allow for maximum participation.  Whether persons attend church services, sporting, health and wellness events, the recognition ceremony or cultural extravaganza or panel discussion, the main objectives are to showcase the best of the Public Service, share information, promote camaraderie and team spirit and to yes simply have fun. Our Sister Islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke will also stage their own activities to mark the Week.

I must commend the members of the Public Service Week Steering Committee headed by Ms. Arlene Smith as well as the other sub-committee members, team captains and liaison officers who have given of their time over the past several weeks to plan for the various events.  I am sure this has been no easy task, and applaud them for their untiring efforts.

Finally, I wish to convey my heart-felt appreciation, to all those who have made invaluable contributions to the provision of public services and by extension to the overall national development of this Territory. It is by working together and remaining committed that we will continue to make progress in the modernisation process.

It is now my pleasure to declare Public Service Week 2010 in the Virgin Islands officially launched.

Thank you.