Members of the Public Service donated more than 3,000 items toward the Family Support Network’s (FSN) food pantry as part of activities to celebrate Public Service Week.

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. and representatives from the Public Service Week Planning Committee presented the food, hygiene and other household items to FSN Food Pantry Manager, Mrs. Diedra Massicot-Rivera and Assistant Food Pantry Manager, Ms. Keisia Dawson on Monday, November 30.

Mr. Archer, Jr. said he was proud that members of the Public Service Week Planning Committee continued the tradition of a charitable element within the team building and celebrations of Public Service Week.

“We in the Public Service are extremely happy to support the work of FSN and to help the families that you support,” Mr. Archer said. “Especially this year, we know that there are many families in need so it is important that we come together as a community, but also as a Public Service, to help.”

Mrs. Massicot-Rivera extended her thanks on behalf of the FSN board and clients.

“We would like to thank the Public Service for their efforts and their support of the organisation. This supply will be greatly appreciated by our clients, and we thank you so much,” she said.

The theme for this year’s Public Service Week was “Twenty Years of Resilience, Hope and Celebration,” and included plenty of team building and fun activities such as basketball and domino competitions, a daily online quiz, wacky dress and wacky car/scavenger hunt challenge, and a virtual trivia competition. A virtual Opening Ceremony and Service of Praise and Thanksgiving kicked off the week; Public Officers were also recognised in a special thank you video message from all 13 members of the House of Assembly.  A virtual ceremony was also held to recognise officers who have attained 10, 25 and 35 years of service and retirees.

Chairperson of the Public Service Week Planning Committee and Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Ms. Aisha Hill thanked all those who devoted their time and effort to help arrange the week of virtual and in-person activities.

“None of this would have been possible without the hardworking committee members who rallied together to ensure that all the activities were executed in a very short amount of time,” Ms. Hill said.  She added, “What these teams were able to pull off during this week culminating with this donation to the FSN pantry was nothing short of amazing!  It shows the commitment of Public Officers to give back to the community, and they should be applauded.”

Based on total points awarded for all events, the winners of the 2020 Public Service Week Competition are the Warriors, which is comprised of officers from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Social Development. They earned 1,855 points.

Second place went to the Panthers, which is comprised of officers from the Ministry of Transportation, Works and Utilities and the Ministry of Finance. They earned 1,105 points.

Third place went to the Supersonics, which is made up of officers from the Governor's Group, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration and the Constitutionally Established Offices. They earned 1,095 points.

Fourth place went to the Eagles, which is made up of officers under the Premier’s Office. They earned 435 points.

Public Service Week, held from 22-27 November, is an annual observance to recognise and reward the successes and achievement of public officers, Ministries, Departments and Statutory Bodies through the staging of various activities to highlight the contributions of the Public Service in the Territory’s development, while at the same time giving members of the public an opportunity to gain a better appreciation for the work of Government.

CAPTION: Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. and representatives from the Public Service Week Committee presented a donation from the Public Service to the Family Support Network Food Pantry, which was accepted by FSN Food Pantry Manager Diedra Massicot-Rivera and Assistant Food Pantry Manager Keisia Dawson. (CREDIT: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS)