In 2004 officers who had been in the public service for five years or more and who did not have the basic entry requirements for service in the public service were favourably considered for appointment to the permanent establishment. Their appointments were subject to reports from their Heads of Department and the usual consideration by the Public Service Commission. These officers are required to obtain the basic qualifications for entry in the service before they can be promoted to other positions. Their appointments were made effective as of the date of their fifth anniversary as temporary officers in the service. This is the time period by which they were considered to be able to competently execute their duties, by virtue of experience gained on the job.