(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Her Excellency Lolita Applewhaite Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Deputy Secretary-General has underscored the key role the public service played in the regional integration process and in the functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 40th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA) on 11 July at the National Cultural Centre, in Georgetown, Guyana, the Deputy Secretary-General said the public service was crucial to the four pillars of CARICOM and without it, “the journey towards regional integration would most likely not have started, let along progressed as far as it has.”

She described the relationship between the public service and the Caribbean Community as “symbiotic,” and noted that there were synergies that could to be derived from “a wholesome inter-action and inter-dependence” between the CARICOM Secretariat - the principal administrative organ of the Community - and national public services, in advancing the regional integration project.

Within this context, she said that the public service should be viewed as “integral” to the integration process as all the main components required its input in order to engage the wider regional public.

A “living example” of this, she said, could be seen in the involvement of public servants in the facilitation of administrative arrangements within States to ensure that CARICOM nationals proceeded upon legitimate business within the single economic space, the CSME provided.

Moreover, she stated, it was the national public servants who provided technical advice to policy makers and ministers of government on what should be done to respond to the concerns of the citizenry; on matters requiring regulation and legislation; and how to implement the various obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, or based on decisions of the Organs of the Community.

As the CPSA convenes its 40th anniversary and its annual conference under the theme Celebrating 40 years of History, working together to conquer current challenges, the Deputy Secretary-General lauded the longevity of the organisation amidst challenges existing globally and regionally. “Your organisation’s longevity is no doubt due to its commitment, dedication and exemplary service to its membership,” Ambassador Applewhaite stated, adding that it had also expressed support of the “business of regional cooperation and integration.” The Community in mapping out an integration strategy, she said, had envisioned improved living and working conditions; and full employment and recognition of the principle of non-discrimination in pursuit of employment within the Community.

“This large undertaking cannot be realised without the public servant playing a critical role in the formulation of government policy,” she stated.

Ambassador Applewhaite noted that the Conference’s theme had resonated with the Community in respect the need for unity which was vital to survive the varied economic and social challenges, as well as natural disasters, which had confronted small, vulnerable states.

“It goes without saying that no country can function without a strong and committed public service. Your members discharge one of the most vital functions any country or government depends on. Every dimension of life, whether it is health, education, housing, sanitation, the economy, security and protection and foreign affairs, relies on a vibrant, virile public service. It is a source of pride that our Region benefits from such world- class public services,” the Deputy-Secretary-General stated.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org