Minister responsible for the Public Service, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, revealed that this year’s observance will mark the final year under the current theme, as legislative, structural, and operational changes take shape.

Dr. Albert-Poyotte outlined key reforms already underway, including the finalization of a new Public Service Bill which she says introduces much-needed accountability frameworks: “We have completed the exercise and we are actually going through the final fine-tuning with the Attorney General. That new legislation will bring in a code of conduct and code of ethics for public officers, so they will be held accountable and they could be disciplined if they fail to perform their duties accordingly.”

She emphasised that the legislation represents a shift toward a more efficient and responsible public service, one that aligns with modern standards and expectations.

Another major focus of the reform is the reclassification of job roles within the public service. According to Dr. Albert-Poyotte, many current qualifications and role definitions are outdated and no longer reflect the demands of today’s digital and service-driven environment.

“There are some requirements that they ask for you to work in certain positions in the public service, and these no longer apply. We are now in the age of modern technology,” she stated.

“A lot of what people know now was not required for the position 30 years ago. So we need to revisit the reclassification so people will know what the requirements are for them to fit in a position.”

This reclassification, she added, will also inform a review of public service compensation, ensuring that salaries are better aligned with employees’ skills, experience, and performance: “The payroll, the salaries, must equate your skills, abilities, experience, efficiency, and other areas of expertise that you have,” she said.

The Minister says the transformation also includes relocation plans for some departments to improve working environments and service delivery.