A strong public service is key for Jamaica to achieve developed status.

That’s according to Cabinet Secretary Audrey Sewell, who made the declaration at the recent awards ceremony for the top civil servants of the year, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston. She said that a key characteristic of a developed country is the strength of its public sector.

“Employees within the public sector are the architects of government policies that serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development. They are the stewards of government programmes and initiatives to provide public goods and essential services that protect the vulnerable, including the future generation. It is through the commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts of public-sector employees that the country can attain developed country status,” Sewell explained.

Sewell said that the Government remains committed to the transformation of the public sector and the vision articulated in the ‘Government at Your Service: Public Sector Modernisation Vision and Strategy: 2002-2012’.

This speaks to creating a public sector with a culture of performance, that is client-focused and results-oriented, and is constantly seeking ways to improve the delivery of public services. She hailed the staging of the annual Civil Servants of the Year competition, noting that it helps to keep in view the qualities that a public officer should possess.

“We celebrate the outstanding achievements of all the nominees who, by embodying the spirit of determination, have excelled in their respective areas,” she said, noting that the awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but “the collective impact of our public service”.

She noted that while there is “still some way to go”, the public sector continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of modernisation, technological innovation, and public health crises.

The Civil Servant of the Year Award commenced in 2004, and this year marks the 19th year since its implementation. It is organised by the Civil Service Week Steering Committee in the Ministry of
Finance and the Public Service, in partnership with First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited.

The Civil Servants of the Year for 2023 are secretary in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Christene Rowe (technical support); senior case officer in the Administrator General’s Department, Ruth McGrowder (middle management); and corporate planner in the Administrator General’s Department, Opal Bryan (management).