Public Officers Urged to Embrace Their Role in National Development 

(Permanent Secretary Highlights Importance of Alignment with the National Sustainable Development Plan)

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbott, has underscored the vital role of public officers in the overall development of the Territory of the Virgin Islands.

He delivered this message to the over 50 new and experienced public officers on Wednesday, 1 October, during the 2nd day of the 3-day Public Service 101 training hosted by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute VIPSLI. 

In presenting the National Sustainable Development Plan NSDP, the Permanent Secretary pointed out that the six NSDP goals prioritise Health and Wellness, Education and Learning, the Economy, Infrastructure, Good Governance, and the Environment, reflecting Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and results-oriented planning, with Ministers at the centre of shaping policy direction.

Mr. Smith-Abbott said, “Public officers need to see themselves in these plans. At the end of the day, ministerial priorities have to filter down to public officers’ level and the strategy is trying to make these priorities accessible to everyone.”

As part of the training session, he joined a panel with his colleagues - Mrs. Sharlene Dabreo-Lettsome from the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe from the Premier’s Office, and Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro from the Ministry of Communications and Works. They shared personal experiences about entering the public service, rising through the ranks, positive growth moments, coping in these high profile positions, and reflections on their professional journey. They also engaged in discussions with the public officers on ways to better support leadership, enhance the delivery of government services, and how they navigated transitions between successive governments.

The Public Service 101 training, being held from 1 -3 October, is addressing topics including Growth for the Public Officer, The Public Service Transformation Programme, The Role of Human Resources in Public Service Management, and Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accounting. 

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The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is responsible for advancing the Territory’s tourism sector, preserving and promoting cultural heritage, and implementing policies that support sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.