Government has officially designated the last Friday of every June as Civil Service Day, with the inaugural celebration set to take place on June 28th this year.
This initiative aligns
closely with the aims and objectives of the UN Public Service Day, also
observed in June annually.
Prime Minister,
Honorable Sitiveni Rabuka as Head of the Civil Service highlighted the
significance of the day, stating, "Civil Service Day is an occasion to
recognize the unwavering dedication and hard work of civil servants in helping
build a better nation. It serves as a moment to renew our commitment to better serve
our people here in Fiji. It is in line with the People’s Coalition Government’s
vision of bringing about change for the better.”
Contrary to a day off,
Civil Service Day will be a regular working day. However, a series of events
will be organized to celebrate achievements and stimulate a dialogue about the
evolution of a modernized Civil Service in the 21st century.
To ensure a widespread
and impactful celebration, each Ministry, Department, and Agency is tasked with
organizing agreed-upon activities and events, utilizing existing funding and
resources. Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that there will be no additional
funding sourced, underscoring a commitment to responsible financial management.
An Inter-Ministry and
Departmental Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Civil Service, will oversee
the organization and coordination of activities for the day, ensuring a
cohesive and collaborative effort.
The day's commemoration
will encompass a range of activities, including prestigious Awards,
Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, and Cultural and Sporting Events. These
celebrations aim to inspire civil servants to work collaboratively with renewed
vigor and dedication, fostering national unity and advancing the principles of
good governance and public welfare.
Prime Minister Rabuka
adds that Civil Service Day stands as a testament to the government's
appreciation for the invaluable contributions of civil servants and serves as a
platform to collectively envision a progressive and service-oriented future.