MESSAGE BY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF FINANCE
DR. THE HONOURABLE D. ORLANDO SMITH, OBE
ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Monday, 19^th February, 2018

Greetings public officers, ladies and gentlemen I address you now, at this point in our Territory’s recovery with a hopeful attitude to speak on plans for the transformation of the Public Service.

This attitude that I hold is born out of our experience with the September hurricanes and the destructive aftermath. This attitude of hope is bolstered by the idea of a renaissance of the British Virgin Islands wherein new and improved; more effective and efficient approaches are possible.

The Public Service in all its activities carries forth the mandate of the Government. And as Premier of this Territory, I am in earnest appreciation for the work carried out by our public officers on a daily basis. The public service has without a doubt, never faced as stern a test as it does today. But where good exists, the potential for exceptional also exists. Thus, Cabinet and I have agreed on the proposed Public Service Transformation plan that once implemented will help to shape, “A stronger, more resilient and more effective Public Service”.

Redesigning the Public Sector at this time is an integral part of this Territory’s movement forward as we re-establish ourselves as a preferred location for living, recreation and doing business by emphasising the following areas: Redesign of the Public Service, E-government - Greening the Public Service, Public Sector/Private Sector Collaboration, Good Governance, and Rebuilding Security.

A world class Public Service has always been the vision and with your valuable input, it is still yet to be realised. I therefore join with Madame Deputy Governor and His Excellency the Governor to ask you to use your renewed energy, motivation and desire to aid in the design of a transformed Public Service as it relates to: what you think the Public Service should look like in the future; the areas you think we can improve; the services you think we can enhance and in general, how do you think we can change to better serve you?

To do so, persons are asked to email anewpublicservice@gov.vg with your feedback on the future state of the Public Service. Additionally, you can call Ms. Colene A. Penn, the Communications Officer for the Governor’s Group at 468-2350 and leave your feedback.

With your help, I am confident that– together – we can arrive at solutions that encourage a stronger and more resilient systematic structure that will remain sustainable and adaptive in its operations even in the event of another disaster. Thank you for your support and may God bless the Public Service and the Territory of the Virgin Islands.