Shaina Smith, President of VICSA

In a release from VICSA, the association said that such change is essential for the Public Service to meet its objective of delivering excellent service to the public.

VICSA  states that from October 2009, it has been writing to the Governor and Deputy Governor regarding concerns about the ballooning operational costs of the Virgin Islands Public Service, specifically payroll costs, which is fast approaching 50% of overall expenditure.  In April 2010, the VICSA provided feedback on a proposal of cost-cutting measures that was presented by the Human Resources Department, after discussion with public officers. Subsequently in June, a strategy of measures was announced and is currently being implemented by the Government to reduce operational costs.

The release further states that in a letter dated June 4, 2010 to Governor Pearey, the Association outlined the urgency of such a reform programme and echoed the words of Jamaica’s Cabinet Secretary in their reform programme document that “Public sector reform is not a matter of choice, but a matter of necessity and survival.”

In lending its support to the efforts to reduce costs, VICSA sent a letter to the Ag. Governor, Mrs. V. Inez Archibald, in August 2010 with over sixty (60) ideas and proposals put forward by Public Officers for consideration as policy, projects, or initiatives for cost savings and controlling expenditure in the short-term and improvement in operational efficiency in the long-term.

The VICSA President, Ms. Shaina Smith said, “It’s our hope that a strategic plan will be developed that will implement past efforts taken at public sector reform in order for the Public Service to undergo a ‘make-over’ as it were, as costs are just the sum total of policy, procedures and human resources. All areas would need to be addressed in order to address fiscal constraints, accountability and the productivity levels of the public service. We look forward to being a part of any efforts made and encourage every public officer to continue to put forward ideas to their managers for consideration.”

The listing of ideas is posted on the Association’s website www.virginislandscsa.com and anyone is welcome to make suggestions by emailing them to info@virginislandscsa.com

Public Officers who would like to know more about the Association or become a member can visit their website at www.virginislandscsa.com, or contact any member of the Executive Committee.