“Proud to serve. Trusted to deliver. A transformative strategy & action plan to deliver our reform commitments.” This is the tagline to the latest Public Sector Reform initiative, and it is very revealing. The need for reform indicates that it is recognised that many public officers are not proud to serve and cannot be trusted to deliver. This is good, as recognition is a necessary step if an issue is to be properly addressed.
Sadly, there is an apparent feeling, based on social media posts, that the hierarchy of the Anguilla Public Service cannot be “trusted to deliver” the transformative strategy and action plan expected to deliver the stated reform commitments. On the first page of the published document that outlines the transformative strategy and action plan the leaders of the Anguilla Public Service (Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretaries) have set out their commitment to reform and they boldly state – “We will make it happen by working in partnership.” As evidence of their commitment to the reform process, the Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretaries are pictured on page 2 of the reform document standing together, with their signatures appearing under the photograph.
With such a show of solidarity, why is there so little faith on the part of so many that meaningful change will be effected? The answer might lie in an examination of the stated purpose, vision, and mission of the Public Service as set out on page 4 of the reform document, and the juxtaposition of those, against the conduct of many of the signatories to the document.
The Purpose – “The Anguilla Public Service: committed to serving with dedication and professionalism.” This requires timely and substantive engagements. Is this reflected in the conduct of the Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretaries?
The Vision – “A stronger, more agile public service – working smarter, adapting faster and shaping a sustainable future for Anguilla.” Can the Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretaries be described as agile in the execution of their duties? Are they working smarter? How many forms and processes remain unhelpful to those they are intended to assist?
The Mission – “Our Public Service – leading with accountability, integrity and compassion to deliver meaningful results.” Does the Deputy Governor and Permanent Secretaries hold each other accountable? Are they serving with integrity? Integrity should see them only acting in ways that benefit Anguilla. Frustrating developers, entrepreneurs and persons accessing public services with delayed responses, poor information or the total absence of a response does not suggest integrity in the performance of duties and certainly demonstrates a lack of compassion for persons engaging with the Public Service.
In their commitment statement the Public Service leaders stated – “We understand that reform requires new ways of leading – listening more, empowering others and earning trust.” An immediate leadership change that some of the Public Service leaders can make is to let the ideals stated in the Purpose, Vision and Mission of the Public Service be reflected in their daily conduct. The most powerful leadership tool an individual has is his/her personal example. In this respect the chorus to Michael Jackson’ song – “Man in the Mirror” offers sage advice.
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change”
If the Deputy Governor, Permanent Secretaries and Department Heads take a look at themselves and make the necessary changes, there is no reason for the most recent Public Sector Reform initiative not to be successful.
