CS boss challenges civil servants to marathon

(CNS): With the promotion of healthy living central to the government’s health policy, the deputy governor has issued a challenge to civil servants to take part in the half marathon in December this year. Franz Manderson is expecting at least fifty public servants to join him on the thirteen mile run, which will require significant training for participants. In addition, civil service management are also considering a proposal to allow gym memberships to be funded by way of monthly salary deductions as public sector bosses examine ways of improving the health and well-being of government workers.

In the face of tough economic times and cuts across the service, the deputy governor and civil service bosses discussed ways to boost staff morale at a recent chief officers' meeting, according to the newly released minutes.

The formation of a Social Committee for the Civil Service was raised and the deputy governor said he believes that social activities would build a more cohesive civil service. Further discussion will be had, including consultation with the CICSA, but public funds will not be used by the Social Committee. Another idea to create social harmony among the public sector workforce was the idea of forming departmental choirs that could compete in sing-offs.

Among the business discussed at the meeting was the transition of staff relating to the Cabinet reshuffle following the fall of the UDP administration. Manderson advised that, following recent changes within Cabinet, some subjects had been reassigned to new ministers. As a result of the changes in the Organisational Chart, some staff had to be re-accommodated in other offices. However, the adjustments were all very minor and no staff had been displaced as a result and he had received positive feedback on the moves.

In the minutes, which offer only very limited detail of the discussions between public sector bosses, it was indicated that an update on the workings of the Budget Delivery Committee was provided but there was no indication of what that was.

Meanwhile, the deputy governor continued to urge transparency, pointingd to the publication of the minutes of meetings by Dax Basdeo, the chief officer in the Finance Services Ministry and his senior staff. Manderson encouraged all chief officers to consider this practice, in an effort to promote transparency and good communication.