The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

A GROUP of 80 public servants were yesterday awarded their certificates by the Ministry of Public Services for completing their upgrading programme in office procedures, keyboard skills, bookkeeping and accounts and English Language at both BJC and BGCSE level.

The Public Service Centre for Human Resource Development (PSCHRD) recognised the group at a ceremony at the Ministry of Public Service, where the minister, Shane Gibson, congratulated them, labelling their achievement as “testament to hard work paying off”. Mr Gibson explained that the government’s intent with the programme is to give those already employed within the public service the opportunity to improve their capabilities.

The programme, outsourced to the Bahamas Baptist Community College, allows public officers to attend school two days a week for four hours.

Ophelia Cooper, Director of PSCHRD, said that the programme is dedicated to producing “officers that are fully capable to make the right choices and decisions”. Mrs Cooper said that although many public servants “possessed the acumen for forward mobility”, many lacked the academic background necessary to do so.

She encouraged officers to view the programme as a privilege and an opportunity for them to get back in the classroom and obtain essential skills. The initiative allows public officers to attend class free of charge with the only requirements being payment for their exam fees and a passing grade.

Ester Pinder, a participant, thanked the government and the PSCHRD in particular. She called their investment in the programme crucial to improving the public service.

“This programme allows us, those that were not that good, a chance to improve our abilities while on the job,” she said. “Education and training like this goes a long way improving our performance.”

Mrs Cooper closed by imploring that the group continue to improve. “The sacrifices of time, money and energy will eventually pay off,” telling the group that “learning takes place from the womb to the tomb”.