The Government of the Virgin Islands is purposefully developing training opportunities that support succession planning across the entire public service. 

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, while speaking at the second annual Public Service Excellence Awards (PSEA) ceremony on September 29 stated, “It is this Government’s vision and mission to create a cadre of professionals that will lead the work force in the Virgin Islands. It is for this reason, senior officers of every Ministry and department, have a mandate to ensure that opportunities for further training and professional growth of every civil servant are afforded to them.”

The Premier explained that this year’s PSEA ceremony was special as it followed the launch of the “One Government, One Public Service,” brand earlier this year that embraces a culture of unity and “Oneness”.

Following the event, Premier Smith is encouraging those honoured to assist in shaping the younger generation of public officers to ensure a continued high quality of service, and professionalism as “One Government”, and also enable effective succession planning.

Regarding ‘One Government’, Premier Smith said, “This branding is paving a path towards success for the delivery of services by the Government of the Virgin Islands. A culture of unity and oneness that demonstrates our strength as One Government, with One Identity, delivering a unique brand of One Public Service.”

Other speakers at the PSEA event included His Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan OBE, and the Director of Human Resources Mrs. Michelle Donovan-Stevens, with the key note address delivered by Managing Director, MWM Global Holdings Limited, Mr. Meade Malone.

The Public Service Excellence Award aims to improve employee morale and award exceptional performance across all levels of Government. Last week, 41 public officers were recognised for exemplary service.

The award features an open nomination process and includes the recognition of senior management such as permanent secretaries and heads of department, in addition to support staff and middle management for various awards.  Also important is the fact that each Ministerial Selection Committee selected their representative in the various awards categories.  The programme was launched on February 9, 2015 by His Excellency the Governor.

The Public Service Excellence Award is administered by the Department of Human Resources and replaces the Employee of the Quarter Programme.