Today is United Nations Public Service Day, an opportunity to honour and celebrate the courageous women and men who have helped steer this country through some of its best and worst days. For the past year and a half, public servants have worked at the forefront and behind the scenes of the Covid-19 response, tending to the critically ill, patrolling the streets to enforce regulations, ensuring the continuity of government services and devising and coordinating strategies to combat the spread of this deadly virus.
Many are battle-weary, exhausted and frustrated, not only because of the daily rigours of their jobs but also because they operate within frameworks that are less than ideally equipped to deal with the exigencies of the new normal. Existing inefficiencies in the structures, mechanisms and delivery of public services have become more glaring, even untenable in the face of some of the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. Various government offices have been successful in implementing work from home, digital service delivery and appointment-based services, while others have had to bear the brunt of public displeasure about slow processes, flawed initiatives and sub-par communication.
That Covid-19 has accelerated the urgency for public service transformation is undeniable. At a time when social distancing is essential and face to face contact is discouraged, those entrusted with bridging the digital divide between the state and Information and Communications Technology must not only keep pace with the technology available but stay ahead of the curve. If we are to achieve effective delivery of government services in the age of Covid-19 and beyond, public officers must be provided with the necessary infrastructural upgrades, training, tools, equipment and visionary leadership that would enable the wheels of a modern government machinery to turn. The Ministry of Public Administration and Digital Transformation has the challenging, but not impossible mission of ushering the public service into the 21st century and equipping it for the future, which according to the United Nations is “more agile, tech-savvy, data-driven, and human-centric”.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen public servants do more with less, time and time again. A common thread emerging from the accounts of former Covid-19 patients is the care, perseverance and sacrifice of doctors, nurses and hospital personnel who, despite overwhelming conditions, go the distance to save lives. I commend and thank them and all public officers who continue to put their shoulders to the plough to ensure that this nation can surmount the Covid-19 crisis. It would undoubtedly be for the benefit of all—public servant and citizen—for the public service to significantly advance its transformation into a modern, efficient, transparent and productive sector.
Related Posts
Facebook Feed
17,885
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The official Facebook Page of The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Efthmyios Efthymiades, Ambassador-designate of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, presented his credentials to Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on October 15, 2024 at The President's House. Her Excellency welcomed the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago and wished him every success in his new post.
... See MoreSee Less
In delivering the feature address at the Sangre Grande Ramleela Committee's 34th Annual Ramleela Celebrations 2024 on Sunday October 13, 2024, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated the committee on the hosting of the cultural event, and the fact that of the 175 players, 120 were young persons from various schools in the community, Her Excellency expressed, "How lucky we are in this country to be able to have all our citizens, of every religious persuasion, of every class, colour and creed, participate in this truly amazing Festival. Ramleela is a cultural, social and spiritual phenomenon which has enriched Trinidad and Tobago for many years. It is a time when entire communities come together to re-enact the life and times of Sri Ram as chronicled in the Ramayan. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to become immersed in our religious and cultural traditions, and to have the opportunity to one day carry them forward. It is a time for everyone, the Hindus and non-Hindus alike, to reflect on and identify with many of the themes and moral lessons found throughout the story." #ramleela2024 #SangreGrande #officeofthepresidentt
... See MoreSee Less
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T is with Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association 1914.
1 week ago
Message from His Excellency Kerwyn Garcia S.C., First Gentleman and Patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Associationon White Cane Safety Day 2024—October 15, 2024Today, the nation and the rest of the world commemorate White Cane Safety Day. Observed annually on October 15th, White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed and celebrated in the United States in 1964 and has since gained recognition worldwide. White Cane Safety Day serves to raise awareness about the use of the white cane as a tool of mobility and a symbol of independence and resilience for the blind and visually-impaired.The origins of the white cane date back to 1921 when James Briggs, a photographer from Bristol, United Kingdom, claimed to have invented it to enhance his visibility to motorists and pedestrians around his home. Throughout the 1930s, the use of white canes by the blind or visually impaired became more widespread in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States.In Trinidad and Tobago, as well as around the world, the white cane is used by the blind or visually-impaired as a tool for safe and reliable navigation. The white cane enhances mobility by providing users with tactile feedback about their surroundings, allowing them to detect obstacles, changes in surface texture, and other important information that facilitates safe travel. The white cane also signals to both pedestrians and motorists that the user is blind or visually impaired. It is important to recognize that the white cane is more than a mobility aid - it also embodies independence, resilience and hope. It empowers blind and visually impaired individuals to navigate the world with confidence and certainty. It serves as a reminder that everyone has the right to move through our world with dignity and safety.As patron of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association, I stand in full support of the Association’s efforts to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons who are blind or visually-impaired in Trinidad and Tobago. On this White Cane Safety Day, let us all take the opportunity to recognise and support our fellow citizens as they strive to participate in our society on a full and equal basis. #WhiteCaneSafetyDay #blindwelfareassociation #patronage #officeofthepresidentt
... See MoreSee Less
#mondayinspiration Strength through adversity #ICYMI As we recognize Cancer Month, The Sunday Newsday ran an inspiring story of how Her Excellency Christina Carla Kangaloo ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago found her inner strength in the face of one of the most difficult times in her life. Here is an excerpt from the story by Carol Quash and you can click on the link for full story.TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.And although getting rid of the invasive and unwelcome visitor came with a myriad of challenges, it also taught her life lessons she might not have learned otherwise.“It did change my life," she said. "I would say it has strengthened me and made me deeply appreciative of life.“It showed me that there was strength I had that I didn't know I had; it taught me resilience; it taught me to lean on other people,” which can sometimes be difficult for women who are not used to allowing other people to see their susceptibility.
... See MoreSee Less
President Kangaloo: Cancer made me stronger - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
TWENTY years ago, President Christine Carla Kangaloo came face to face with her mortality in the form of breast cancer.
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T updated their cover photo.
1 week ago
The Office of the President of the Republic of T&T's cover photo
... See MoreSee Less