NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The 2018 observance of National Public Service Week will help to further inspire and motivate workers throughout the public service, Minister of the Public Service and National Insurance, the Hon. Brensil Rolle said Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

Delivering a communication in the House of Assembly outlining activities surrounding this year’s observance of National Public Service Week (October 27- November 4, 2018), Minister Rolle said the role of public servants are so important, that organizers of the “week” have set aside nine days to celebrate and recognize public servants for the work they do “to bring to fruition the mandate of the Government which ultimately affects the performance of our country.”

(The observance of National Public Service Week will be held under the theme “The Public Service…Igniting a Positive Change for Future Generations.”)

“The public service is that engine that runs the country to ensure that the mandate of the Government is fulfilled,” Minister Rolle told Parliamentarians. “We have a commitment to provide education, health services, individual protection and natural security, infrastructural development and a stable economy - just to name a few. 

“The Ministry of the Public Service and National Insurance is aware of this charge and the importance of enhancing the quality of life of public servants so that we may gain the maximum benefit from their service.  In this vein, the Ministry of the Public Service and National Insurance, continues its role to implement strategies to identify and manage talent; promote and compensate deserving officers; provide training opportunities at the expense of the Government; utilize technology to improve the way we do business and provide a healthy and safe working environment for public servants.” 

Minister Rolle said public officers are dedicated to the public good.

“We are challenged every day to advancing public services effectively, efficiently and equitably with a general focus on the public good of citizens. This mission requires an unprecedented level of understanding and cooperation.  So, today, the activities and celebrations this week, represent a new call for action, and we must answer this call.”

Minister Rolle said the activities scheduled will provide Bahamians with the opportunity to “see and hear from” retirees who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of “our great” public service; be introduced to some of the brightest and talented individuals in the service as public officers of the year (of the various Ministries) and public officers in general are showcased, during a Mock Parliamentary Session; and enjoy the creative spirit of workers as they display the role and mission of their Ministries and Departments in a Float Parade Competition.

The activities will commence on Saturday, October 27, with a FUN, RUN, WALK, beginning at 6a.m., and leaving from the Fort Charlotte entrance of the Botanical Gardens. A Health Screening (free of charge) will follow the Fun, Run, Walk from 10a.m. to 12noon.

Retirees and Public Servants will assemble at the Zion Baptist Church, East and Shirley Streets at 11a.m. on Sunday, October 28 for a service of praise, and on Monday (October 29), officers from the various Ministries and Departments will be involved in a training session in preparation for a Mock Parliament Session that will be held in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, October, 30 at 10a.m. Participants will share on the theme: “The Public Service…Igniting a Positive Change for Future Generations.”

Other activities include a Courtesy Call on Governor-General, Her Excellency, Dame, the Most Honourable, Marguerite Pindling for the 16 representatives from the various Ministries who were chosen as nominees for the National Public Service Officer of the Year Award, and a Recognition ceremony for Retirees, Thursday, November 1, at Government House at 11am.

National Public Service Week T-shirt Day and the National Public Service Week Float Parade Competition have been scheduled for Friday, November 2 with a volleyball competition scheduled to get underway at 6p.m. that evening at the D.W. Davis Gymnasium. The volleyball competition will continue on Saturday (November 3) - ending with a game featuring Politicians both past and present.

The activities culminate with the announcement of the winner of the National Public Service Officer of the Year Award. The event is planned for Sunday, November 4, in the Imperial Ballroom, Atlantis, Paradise Island.

“We have an exciting Public Service Week ahead,” Minister Rolle told Parliament. “All events have been planned with public servants in mind - just to express how much they are appreciated.  The week promises to be one of fun, reflection, recognition and fellowship.”