In the past few days there has been re-assignment of several posts at the executive level within the Interim Administration. The CSA wishes to extend its thanks those outgoing members of the Administration for whatever positive contributions they have made towards the betterment of the lives of Civil Servants and the civil service in general.
The CSA would like to congratulate Mr. Eugene Otuonye on his appointment as Director of the Integrity Commission and thank him for his service as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC). In the same vein the CSA wishes to congratulate Mrs. Cynthia Astwood on her appointment as Chair of the PSC. It is our sincere hope that she serves in this capacity with fairness and integrity and with concern for the well-being of both Civil Servants and the Civil Service as a whole. The CSA looks forward to working with Mrs. Astwood in her non-conflicting role as PSC Chair to address the myriad of issues and injustice that civil servants are currently experiencing. However, we must note that it may be difficult for the former Chief Secretary to remain unbiased in her new role, as she has much intimate and personal knowledge of many Civil Servants whom she supervised during her tenure as Chief Secretary and acting Governor.
The CSA wishes to congratulate Mr. Mark Capes for his promotion to the ranks of Governor, to preside over St Helena, the Ascension Islands and Tristan Da Cunha. The CSA would like to stress that it was not an easy road for the Civil Service during the reign of Mr. Capes, as much was taken away and not given back. During the past months many Civil Servants lost jobs, had salaries and allowances reduced and rights to gratuities taken away. The CSA trusts that Mr. Martin Stanley, Mrs. Cynthia Astwood and the new in-coming Governor will find value in treating Civil Servants with dignity, respect and a concern for their welfare, as these are the critical determinants of an efficient, effective and a productive Civil Service.
The CSA will continue to work with all current and new members of the Interim Administration as the shuffling of portfolios continues. We are however mindful that work without progress is a wasted energy and we will continue to seek alternate ways to make progress in correcting issues affecting Civil Servants.
