Public servants reminded of duty to nation

By Talaia Mika • 02 October 2023, 4:24PM

Acting Prime Minister has reminded public servants of their duty to the government of the day and the nation as hundreds gathered and marched on Monday to mark the 12th Public Service Day.

A parade started from Matautu towards the Government Building in Matafelefele on Monday morning, as officers from each ministry and sector marched to celebrate the day with police blocking the road to make way for the march.

Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio, in his key remarks, acknowledged the services of all public servants and re-emphasised that the decision to celebrate this special day annually is to recognise the hard work and contribution of public servants.

"Will no doubt have an impact on employee drive and enthusiasm to do what is necessary for the service of Samoa," said the Acting Prime Minister. "On this day also, we pay tribute to the legacy of the pioneers and past leaders of our Public Service, who have passed on and are no longer with us, as well as those who have retired from the service, who paved the way and have contributed to the development of the public service of Samoa, today.

"In 2022, I stood here before you on this very occasion, to celebrate with you, all there is to being a public servant in Samoa on the theme of Agaga Tautua – Spirit of Service. I understand the Commission has decided to continue with this theme for this year’s celebration, and I believe it is very fitting.

"I for one, am extremely proud of how far we’ve come as a country and as a government, against the backdrop of a myriad of challenges that we faced in 2021. These trials and tests are a mere reminder that our character and our faith will continue to be challenged in order to grow.

"As public servants, testing and growing your faith in your duty to the government and our nation in the true spirit of services is extremely vital now more than ever.

"Your test of faith and your commitment to service was challenged when the world was facing a deadly pandemic of covid 19. PSC and all arms and sectors of Government came together through NEOC to fight against the infiltration of the deadly covid 19 virus into Samoa. Not to mention other emergencies and natural disasters we have experienced since COVID-19 and some only just recently.

"Your government acknowledges your efforts and dedication to your service especially during these challenging times when your intellectual and physical capacity were called upon to protect our small nation of Samoa. The way we see it, you came through and won the fight. You came through simply because of your dedication and commitment to service. We thank you."

Tuala also acknowledged overseas partners who assisted Samoa throughout unprecedented times through the provisions of medicine and the necessary equipment and other the most needed resources to assist Samoa.

There are currently over 10,000 employees working for 53 government agencies and in terms of delivering government services to the public, this amount may be deemed as justified but not better hence why the Public Service Reforms which is now in its second Phase, is critical according to Tuala.

"We would like to see where the Service could be made more efficient and effective, and tailored to the needs of the community. The Pathway for the Development of Samoa has laid the foundation for what we intend to achieve, which is to foster social harmony, safety, and freedom for all. I encourage you all to actively seek opportunities to work closer with the communities, and to tailor your service delivery according to their needs."

One of the Government’s initiatives and key projects is the establishment of District Council offices to strengthen governance and coordinate government development programmes in the communities.

These initiatives and projects depend heavily on the commitment and the capabilities of public servants and government to deliver the systems, policies and processes to make this happen.

Meanwhile, the vision of the Public Service Commission is Public Service Excellence, enabled by the three pillars of Leadership Development, Performance and Ethics, and Good Governance.

The Commission is in partnership with the Chief Executive Officers and senior executives in all Government Ministries for the implementation of strategies to achieve relevant objectives to support achieving the outcomes set out in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa.

The 12th Samoa Public Service Day was declared opened by Tuala together with the 'Talofa with a Smile' Campaign also officially launched.