The Honourable Leader of the Opposition

MESSAGE FROM HON. MARK GOLDING, MP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

I salute the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) as it hosts its 103rd Annual General Meeting, under the theme “Persistent and Consistent, Advocating for the Worker: Moving from Surviving to Thriving”.

The JCSA is an important national organization of over 30,000 members. Since 1903, its mandate has been dedicated to improving the standards of the social and economic conditions of its members in the public service. Through persistent advocacy and steadfast representation, the JCSA has been effective in bringing improvements from which public sector employees have benefited and the public service has been strengthened.

Our public sector employees fuel the operations of Government, providing the daily services across a broad range of sectors which are essential to the orderly functioning of our society Teachers, Doctors and Nurses at Public Health Facilities, Police Officers, Soldiers, Administrative and Ancillary Staff, and so many more. For their work and sacrifice on behalf of the people of Jamaica, they deserve the best compensation and working conditions that the society can afford.

In recent years, the JCSA has, in solidarity with the other trade unions active in the public sector, pushed hard for a comprehensive public sector compensation review to modernize and transform the existing system into one which is coherent, competitive and equitable. This effort has borne fruit, and the Government has committed to implementing the compensation review over a three-year period, commencing this fiscal year. I have urged the government to ensure that the rollout of this important review embraces ongoing, full consultation with the JCSA and other employee representatives, to ensure that equity prevails. It is important that all stakeholders feel satisfied with the fairness of the outcome.

I am truly grateful to all our employees in the public service who dedicate their time, talents and effort in the noble pursuit of National Development. I hail the JCSA for championing the cause of workers in the public service for 103 years. Congratulations on this milestone achievement!

May God continue to bless the JCSA and its members as you continue the journey of building a better Jamaica for us all.

Mark J. Golding, MP Leader of the Opposition