THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE NATION: PM RABUKA TO CIVIL SERVANTS

“As Prime Minister, I want to acknowledge your efforts as the engine room of Government. Your work, whether it’s patrolling and keeping our streets and people safe or drafting policies to guide the delivery of services and programs to our people and supporting government initiatives, is what keeps the Government going.”

This was the message delivered by the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Civil Service Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka while officiating at the Civil Service Day in Suva this morning.

“You breathe life into our vision as your leaders. Today and this week, we acknowledge that the services you provide across the nation to enable the implementation of Government strategies in order that the people of this nation can live a better life,” he told civil servants in attendance.

“You work day-in and day-out serving the nation, often working late into the night, and weekends, in particular those of you serving remote communities in the hard to reach interior, rural and maritime areas.

“In my view, the civil service is not for the faint-hearted. I acknowledge your innovation and resourcefulness; you go above and beyond the call of duty in ensuring a better life for our people. On behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, I thank each one of you for your service and sacrifices for your fellow citizens, vinaka vakalevu.”

PM Rabuka remarked that the celebration has given civil servants the opportunity to renew their commitment to better serve the people of Fiji.

As Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service, Hon. Rabuka highlighted the government’s efforts to reform the service, streamline processes and improve our services to the people is a continuous endeavor.

 “This requires looking at Government as a whole, reviewing our systems, our greatest asset our people and seeing how we can make changes to improve working conditions, provide incentives, streamline processes, improve service delivery and reward productivity,” he added.

“I assure you that this Government will continue to facilitate the allocation of resources to assist you with your roles. To do this successfully, I want to ask you as Head of Government, to honestly express your views and make suggestions without fear, favor or malice when you are consulted during the reform process. “And as Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Service, I want to reassure you and affirm that it is your duty to advise me, and other Ministers honestly, and without fear or favor.”

PM Rabuka also reminded civil servants of their roles in serving the public.

“As civil servants, your loyalty is to the people,” stated the PM.

“I also want to affirm that as civil servants, you must be politically neutral, and do your work without fear, favor or malice. As we forge ahead, I am optimistic that services will improve, and the targets of the new National Development Plan will be achieved through continued resilience, innovation and resourcefulness of civil servants. Keep speaking truth to power. “Continue to give your advice to Ministers and Assistant Ministers without fear. Work with us as we continue the civil service reform, continue to strive for excellence, and continue to love and serve the people of Fiji.”

The event, which started with a march from the Flea Market to Albert Park, was a culmination of a week-long celebration, honoring the dedication and perseverance of civil servants around the country.