The Department of Public Administration, on Wednesday, 27th April, began a two-day induction seminar entitled “Excellence Through Understanding”, geared towards sensitising new (and existing) workers in the public sector to their roles and responsibilities.
Deputy Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs Charmaine Rogers, stated that each employee of the public service has an essential role to fill.
“Sometimes you may sit back and say, ‘I can’t do anything because I am just down here, and my job is not that significant,’ but that is not true,” she advised. “Wherever you are in your organisation or department, you can make an impact.”
She encouraged the seminar participants to think seriously about their position within the public sector and to contribute ideas for enhancing their work environment.
“If where you are at is not really working out for you, then give your suggestions. Young people in particular, you have lots of ideas. Don’t keep them to yourselves, but feed them into your department so that everyone can benefit from them. Doing this would make the work environment a better place for you to work and function.
“You are to be working in a place that is not just ‘good’ but ‘great’. Right now you may think that the Anguilla Public Service is not a ‘great’ place to work. If it is not ‘great’ to you, then you have an opportunity now to do something positive about it. Let’s make the workplace ‘great’.
“At the same time, you must be respectful while you share your ideas with your team. Remember that everything is not about you. You are only a part of a team. You are working with others and you are working together. When you look at it, there is no ‘i’ in ‘team’. Therefore, work as a team, and share whatever you can – not for yourself, but for the greater good of the department.”
Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley spoke on the Role of the Public Servant and Understanding Government. He sought to show the participants that being part of the public service is a rewarding experience, as long as they define their role and properly fill it. He advised them to have respect for all of their co-workers, and encouraged them to be loyal to their tasks and responsibilities – whether or not they agree with the mandate of the ruling government faction.
In addition, Mr. Bradley explained the two functions of Government – both as a system of governance, and as the body of officials who govern. He encouraged the seminar participants to familiarise themselves with the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial.
Also speaking at the opening of the induction seminar was the Director of Human Resources in the Department of Public Administration, Mrs. Jacqueline Bryan-Niles. Her task was to present an overview of the Anguilla Public Service.
