The training session, organised by the Public Sector Reform Unit was held under the theme Public Sector Modernization for Increased Productivity.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Public Service and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Shirla Francis in her welcoming remarks, said over the last 30 years the global market place witnessed a proliferation of the public service that "consequently led to a fervent cry by public servants and the general public for the modernization of machinery of the public service. She said heeding to the cry, the government implemented some measures that included computerizing most government offices during the late 80's-early 90's and started looking at reclassifying the sector.

Ms. Francis said recent findings revealed a low productivity within the public service of this country. In response to this, she said the Public Sector Reform Unit would be hosting a number of training sessions hoping to improve the situation.

Minister with the responsibility of the Public Service, Hon. Selmon Walters told the senior public servants in the global environment small developing countries like St.Vincent and the Grenadines are given similar treatment as rich first class countries. "The IMF (International Monetary Fund) would tell us to bring the public sector in line, downsize, modernize, be efficient just as Singapore, Canada or the USA for that matter." He said no one takes into account the size of the country or the inadequate resources that it possessed. He stated that in a globalize environment the "buzz" words were standards, quality, efficiency and productivity. "It means therefore that in small developing countries like ours, survival depends on taking those buzz words seriously," he said adding that training, vision, attitude and resourcefulness most also be considered.

He continued: "We are asked to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness, we are asked to work willingly with our eyes set on the set goal and not at what we can get at the end of the month." He told the senior civil servants "it can no longer be business as usual change must begin with every public servant." He said long gone were the days when mobility was determined by the years given by an officer.

He noted the job market in the public service demanded skilled university graduates; individuals who can work on the cutting edge of technology. -more- Regarding Permanent Secretaries, he said these individuals should be capable of giving valuable advice to Ministers. "The way your Minister performs when you prepare him/her would speak of the person who you are and how capable you are." He noted that there had often been a theory that a private sector management was more efficient than the public sector. This, he claimed, was something that should be studied. "Some people tend to do as they like because they work for the government or they voted for the government," he said. Minister Walters expressed his hope that sessions of this nature would create the environment to encourage the attitude for enhanced performance and greater productivity.