2 minute read
The Honourable Prime Minister
The civil service is the single largest group in Jamaica, executing Government policies and offering Government services to all Jamaica. It is therefore my pleasure to congratulate the Jamaica Civil Service Association, JCSA, on its 103rd anniversary. The theme for this year’s anniversary celebrations is “Persistent and Consistent, Advocating for the Worker: Moving from Surviving to Thriving”. This is truly indicative of the strong tradition of advocacy that has been demonstrated by the organisation over the years. The Association has played a significant role in advocating for improvements to the lives of Public Sector workers, providing the “highest quality of service” for more than a century. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Jamaica and caused tremendous challenges over the past two (2) years. Like the rest of the world, the Government of Jamaica is doing all it can to ease the burden on all citizens and has made significant strides in cushioning the majority of the negative impact on our citizens. I commend the JCSA for its continued work to ensure that public sector workers across Jamaica have been well represented. The Government is committed to the ongoing partnership process and dialogue to ensure the welfare and service standards of our civil service.
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The Association has focused on strong and effective leadership, representation and securing a myriad of benefits for its members over the years. In addition to establishing organizations such as the Jamaica Mutual Thrift Society, which provides financial support to members and the JCS Housing Company ltd, which has provided housing solutions for many. The JCSA has also most recently created a Fitness and Wellness Centre at their recreation Centre JACISERA Park to promote health and Wellness amongst its membership, and a motor vehicle help desk to assist its members to import motor vehicles. Since its inception in 1919, the JCSA as a union, has played a critical role as a valued partner in nation building and serving Jamaica. As we look to celebrate Jamaica 60 and chart a course of greater development and achievements as a nation, the JCSA will continue to play a vital role in driving modernisation and globalisation through its partnership and consultations with the government and other international stakeholders. Indeed, over the years, the JCSA has also been known to provide strong industrial relations support to both its members and Government as it seeks to advocate for its membership.
I take this opportunity to laud the contribution and work of our Public Sector workers. You have done a tremendous job throughout the pandemic and now even as we continue to navigate through turbulent waters
Once again, heartiest congratulations to the JCSA. I urge you to keep up the good work as you continue to maintain the quality standard of professionalism, advocacy and commitment to the nation that you have displayed over the many years.
The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP Prime Minister
