Vice-President Danny Faure, who is responsible for Public Administration, has launched the print and e-version of the publication “300 Questions on Seychelles Government Services,” on the occasion of Public Service Day, celebrated under the theme “A Responsive Public Service: Serving People’s Needs.”
The publication was presented at the STC Conference Centre in Victoria in a ceremony this afternoon, which was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Patrick Herminie, Ministers, judges, members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic community, as well as a wide range of public servants, representatives of civil society, the private sector, the media, the elderly, and young people.
In his address, Vice-President Faure thanked all those working in the public service for their hard work and contribution and also those who have retired. He added that that the Seychelles public service has modernised and evolved under the leadership of President James Michel, who has placed emphasis on the need to give information to the public and in this way to improve service delivery.
“This publication will enable all citizens to gain a better understanding of the services provided by the Government...to be better educated and informed. The 300 questions have 300 answers... but there are many more questions that people will have, and so this publication is just a foundation, and it will be updated and improved with time.... This is an information tool, one which we want to ensure that everyone knows and understands the policies of the Government. When policies are changed, then the document will be updated, online. This is a transparency effort, to ensure that the policies are clear for everyone, and accusations of discrimination or favouritism in the access to these services are dispelled; as the proper procedures and the conditions for application are explained,” said Vice-President Faure in his address.
In her remarks, the Chief Secretary for the Public Service in the Department of Public Administration, Ms. Jessie Esparon said that earlier this year, in an effort to bring about improvement in service delivery and to become more responsive to the needs of citizens, the Government has approved a set of common service standards for use by the public service.
“ This also requires the public service to put in place simple survey mechanisms to obtain customer feedback through complaints, concerns and to address their needs in a timely manner... Our public service has evolved multiple services to the community, closer to the people, and continues to explore ways and means to do so at various levels through local community settings, through social media, e-government networks...as public servants we continue to face many challenges ranging from the ever-rising public expectations, to fiscal challenges, limited resources and capacity, among many. And yet the work of selfless men and women in the public service is never-ending ” said Ms. Esparon.
The “300 Questions on Seychelles Government Services,” which can be downloaded from the State House website at http://goo.gl/151jjE , was produced by the Department of Information, in the Office of the President and was published by the National Information Services Agency (NISA) Press.
A Creole version will be produced later this year. Printed copies will be distributed to government ministries, departments and agencies. Hard copies are on sale locally at the Seychelles Nation office and the Antigone shop in Victoria.