Public Service

The Free National Movement knows that the Public Service plays a pre-eminent role in the formulation and implementation of public policy and that the success of any administration depends upon its collective expertise, competence and dedication. The Free National Movement is satisfied that , having taken steps to transform and revitalise the Service by removing many significant impediments which had long hindered the proper and efficient performance of its functions, the way ahead will be marked by productivity, cost effectiveness and client satisfaction.

The Free National Movement Government’s objective is to continue on the path to ensuring a better trained, more efficient and effective Public Service. Having recognised merit, initiative and competence in the public service and having made measurable progress in depoliticising appointments and promotions in the service; having initiated action to ensure parity in pay for all public officers holding similar qualifications; and having introduced several career paths including a career path aimed at bringing teachers to parity with other professionals engaged by the Government, by the year 2000, many of the impediments to efficiency and effectiveness in the public service have been removed.

In addition to the commitments made in Manifesto 92, your FNM Government in its second term in office will:

Prepare and publish a White Paper on Public Sector Reform which will draw on the experiences of other countries in making recommendations for the development of the public sector.

Establish the position of, and appoint, Human Resource Managers in Ministries and Departments, as appropriate.

Implement a new appraisal system with a view to ensuring greater objectivity in appraisal and in training of officers.

Enact legislation to amend the Public Service Commission Regulations and provide for a standing committee for disciplinary matters.

Establish institutional mechanisms to honour deserving officers, e.g. long serving officers and those considered to be outstanding public officers.

Review the Public Service Pension Act.

Personalise the Public Service by requiring all officers to wear identification badges when on duty.

Implement a public outreach programme to educate the general public concerning the Public Service.

Encourage Bahamianisation at all professional levels by allowing Bahamians to be hired on a contractual basis and by providing adequate compensation to attract and retain officers.

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