WE THE PUBLIC SERVANTS
By: Joshua Lafoa’i
“The will to Champion the Whole of the Government.”
That is the theme chosen by the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, (MPMC) to commemorate and celebrate Public Service Day 2020 Friday last week.
Unlike past annual celebrations filled with rainbow parading colors by the public servants marching through downtown Apia to revel their services and achievements for the benefit of the country, the 2020 celebration is dwindled to individual events staged by the respective ministry and corporation commemorate.
However is has not damped the festive spirit by the hundreds of public servants through special events to highlight their sacrifices to Samoa enduring the challenging year littered by the measles outbreak and now the COVID 19 pandemic. And through these trying times, hundreds the public service sacrifices are acknowledged in the Public Servants humble way of sincerity and divine thanksgiving.
For the MPMC, it was a day dedicated to brainstorming which
include capacity building via live debates and speech competition to enhance the staff knowledge on the ministry’s three pillars which include a well-governed, well-secured and well-informed Samoa.
In a moving and inspirational speech, MPMC Chief Executive Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo called on his staff to march on and hold their heads up high as servants of the public and reassured the government workers that their achievements and performances speak volumes.
“We must remember, the fundamental role we perform, is serve the country, with joy, humility and with all honesty,” said Agafili who is also Secretary to Cabinet.
“Remember your colleagues and give them your shoulder should they need help in performing their duties to the letter,” added the CEO. “Help your colleagues overcome their uncertainties and remember our MPMC family motto, we do not leave anyone behind.”
Agafili also touched answering the public call for help at all times.
“Our mandate is that for anyone needing information and guidance should leave our office and our building with the answers to their enquiries for a better informed Samoa.
He encourage that MPMC staff that perhaps at times some may feel that their services have been taken for granted, are not unrecognized and often criticized.
“As public servants, we are just those – ‘servants of the public’, and while we may think that such a calling is demeaning, I believe that if you have the heart of God, you will find the grace to serve from a Godly perspective and with Godly humility.”
Joining the celebration, MPMC Minister and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi acknowledged the roles on the Public Servants in a brief public statement.
“The vision of the current Public Administration Sector Plan is for Samoa to be enabled to acquire a ‘professional and competent public administration that provides quality, efficient and transparent services for and to its people.”
“In essence, we, the Samoa Public Service, regardless of your position or status within your respective Ministries, are to become the epitome of excellent and exceptional service delivery. We have a public duty to contribute to improving the quality of life for each and every Samoan,” the Prime Minister concluded.
