By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU
THERE is a great need for a well-oiled public service that is transparent, smart, innovative, strategic and attuned to practical and effective service delivery to the nation’s citizens both in the rural and urban areas including the foreign citizens and investors.
This was said by Prime Minister Hon James Marape when delivering his key note address during the 2023 Public Service Dedication Service at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Friday.
He reminded all public servants that the year 2023 is a time to readjust and improve individually and collectively in their respective work spaces.
Marape said the occasion is also an ideal opportunity for all to reflect on their performances in 2022 and the current state of the nation and reset their compasses in the right direction to venture into 2023.
He said the occasion also calls for all to renew their commitment to the National Constitution by upholding the Public Service Pledge and Oath of Loyalty.
“We are to imagine what kind of country we want to retire into and make sure we work hard to develop that country.
“For most of us, we will go back to our villages and our districts, and if we do not work hard enough as public servants, what kind of place we retire into will reflect the efforts that we have put in to start with.
“We must also do a reality check individually and ask ourselves what my purpose is and what my calling is and how can I improve my performances and be a critical agent of positive changes to my family, my profession, the agency that I work for, and my country.
“These are hard but necessary questions which would help us refocus our efforts. Our people demand it, and we must respond to this.
“We must embrace loyalty, commitment and hard work that is complementing our development agenda.”
Marape further called for a public service that is knowledge-based and is responsive to demands.
“It calls for a team of people who are able to translate those broad intentions into workable actions and to ensure that those actions are taken expeditiously and within the time frames intended,” he added.
Marape added he also has much expectations from the Ministers of the Government.
