Saturday, November 22, 2008
DG's Vision for the Anguilla Public Service
DG's Functions
- Member of Executive Council
- Member of House of Assembly
- Acting Governor and chair of Executive Council in Governor's absence
- Delegated authority for the management of the public service
- Responsibility for Disaster Management
- Shared responsibility with the Permanent Secretary, Finance for the functioning of the Internal Audit Department
- Ensuring the efficient conduct of elections in consultation with the Supervisor of Elections
- To work diligently with the Government of the day to develop policies that reflect deliberate and comprehensive analysis of issues rather than merely reacting to short term pressure.
- To create a culture that sees the delivery of quality public services to meet the needs of citizens as paramount rather than the convenience of providers.
- To identify and use new and improved means of communicating with stakeholders.
- To seek at all times to communicate/reflect the value of the public service.
- to implement government policies and administer its legislation.
- To provide the requisite services to the public and the economy in line with these policies.
- To inform and advise ministers and parliament by providing accurate data, analysis and appraisals.
- To account to ministers and parliament for their actions and use of public funds.
"How effectively a system operates is a reflection of the attitude and aptitude of the persons administering or working within the system. The Anguilla Public Service is blessed with a high proportion of officers with tertiary level training and therefore the aptitude to effectively serve in the offices they hold. There is still however significant potential to be realized in the Anguilla Public Service. Many public officers do not exploit their potential or allow it to be exploited. The attitude required to complement the aptitude of public officers must be cultivated.
I envision a public service where officers are acutely aware of their role in the accomplishment of the goals of the nation, the government, a ministry, a department or a unit. This awareness will generate recognition of each officer's potential to influence decisions and to effect change. The result will be an Anguilla Public Service, which will be proactive, responsive and dynamic. Attitudes, which reflect these qualities, are absolutely essential in Anguilla today.
The Anguilla Public Service in the future must be one where we each accept our responsibility to positively influence our national and individual destiny. Teachers, immigration officers, technicians and others must accept that they must not only execute policy but must also influence and instigate improvements in policy. Those who are seen as the primary policy makers must display attitudes, which heighten staff participation in the policy development process.
The Anguilla Public Service must cultivate individuals who are prepared to effectively manage the public service despite our small community ties. These individuals must balance their duty to serve the Government of the day against their (public officers) responsibility to ensure the effective use of our resources for the benefit of the nation. Public officers must be prepared to be held accountable.
The vision outlined above is not one easily achieved, but it is achievable."
