HAVING had a first-hand look at what obtains at the Public Service Training Centre in terms of its day-to-day operations and courses being offered, President David Granger announced yesterday that work on the much-needed upgrades will commence shortly. 

The President, accompanied by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon toured the facility and met with the various representatives.
After wrapping up his tour of the facility, the Head of State said his visit was an important first step towards his Administration’s plans for a total reform of the Public Service.
The training centre will soon be upgraded to the Public Service Staff College as part of the APNU+AFC Administration’s plan to build capacity and improve efficiency in the Public Service.
“Our intention is that every entrant into the Public Service must be trained at the College, and it is now our task to upgrade the training division into a staff college. We came here to understand the challenges faced by the Division, so that we can prepare for that upgrade,” President Granger said.

He shared the view that training is vital to improving the quality and performance of the Public Service.
Speaking to the general aesthetics of the current training facility, the President said significant changes would have to be made in order to fulfill his Administration’s vision for an efficient Public Service.
On Wednesday, the Head of State took the time to meet with the heads of several Government agencies and serving Permanent Secretaries, and outlined what is expected of them under this new dispensation.
The President said that under his Administration, the hallmarks of the public service would be intelligence, integrity, and impartiality. Soon, he said, there will be a clearly defined code of ethics by which they will have to be guided. Improved conditions and remuneration were also being considered, all in the interest of achieving an efficient Public Service.
Currently, the Public Service Training Centre offers courses to persons operating within the sector in the areas of Principles of Supervisory Management, Principles of Professional Secretarial Practice, Government Accounting Procedure, Personnel Practices and Policies among others. (GINA)