‘Officers Play A Vital Role In Delivering Services’
The BPSU said it was “disturbing” to learn that a Government MP “took to the floor of the House of Assembly to accuse Government employees of engaging in ‘threatening and ‘shameful’ behaviour,” and noted that “public officers play a vital role in delivering services to the community.”
While the BPSU statement did not mention an MP by name, it correlates with statements made by MP Derrick Burgess, and you can listen to the relevant extract below.
A spokesperson said, “As the Union representing a significant number of Public Officers, it was disturbing to the Bermuda Public Services Union [BPSU] to learn that on February 3, 2023, a current Government MP took to the floor of the House of Assembly to accuse Government employees of engaging in “threatening” and “shameful” behaviour, and “making policies as they go”.
“He further asserted that Public Officers were unjustly “penalizing” members of the public, thinking that “they are in charge – even of the minister” and “above the Ministry and the Government”.
“Far be it for the BPSU to get into a dispute with a former President of our Sister Union,” the Union said, adding that “however, as representatives of Public Officers, it would be remiss of this Union not to address the matter.”
“For decades, Public Officers have been stigmatized as being inept, lazy, arrogant, overpaid, etc. What many fail to realize is that Public Sector employees are governed by their terms and conditions of employment, and are required to adhere to various laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
“For example, the Bermuda Government’s Conditions of Employment and Code of Conduct is clear on the standard of behavior expected of Public Officers: ‘The role of Public Officers is to assist the duly elected Government of Bermuda with integrity, impartiality and objectivity regardless of any personal political affiliation by providing fair, timely, efficient and effective service, continually improving the quality of policies, programmes, and services they provide…..”
“There is a well-established process by which complaints against Public Officers are to be submitted and handled. Public Officers accused of violating their terms and conditions of employment are subject to the prescribed investigation and disciplinary process. What should not happen, however, is the wide-sweeping vilification of Public Officers in the House of Assembly and in the press. This approach violates the principals of natural justice and serves no meaningful purpose.”
The Union added, “What often goes undiscussed and under-reported, is the fact that many Public Officers are:
- overworked due to long-standing staff shortages,
- often lack the resources and tools needed to carry out their remit,
- frequently operate in poor working conditions, and,
- have gone years without a cost-of-living adjustment.
“Public Officers play a vital role in delivering services to the community, and, on a positive note, the BPSU is thrilled to see Government’s recognition of the value of our membership through its Public Service Excellence Awards initiative. These awards are given to Public Officers for their ability to demonstrate leadership, efficiency, and exceptional service delivery within their work environments and to the public at large.
“The BPSU has worked hard to develop, maintain, and promote productive, respectful working relationships with community stakeholders including Government and the press. The Union encourages these same stakeholders to do the same.”
An excellent response but what we want to know is what the MP said true?
There are several civil servants in high raking positions that have in the course of employment deviated from the proper standard demonstrated by a civil servant. They abuse their authority and have used their position to abuse others. As a member of the general public, I personally have raised complaints against high ranking civil servants who demonstrated unethical behavior! Raised complaints through the ministry, permanent secretary and ombudsman and the complaints went NO WHERE! I agree with Mr. Burgess and BPSU YOU are gaslighting the matter, how shameful of you!!
If that is true, and I am not saying any more than that, they learned from their bosses. I have been threatened by Cabinet Ministers and I have been witness to threats by Cabinet Ministers.
Sadly, it is not a new phenomenon. What I have seen has continued unabated for 40 years or more.
‘Bullets’ Burgess certainly ranting and raving this week at the Civil Service and the BNTB. I’m surprised he’s not more concerned as to WHY the bank has asked his colleagues to terminate their accounts? With the Savvy debacle, the lack of accountability in Covid expenditure and general carelessness on government spending I think most people can guess the identity of the two premiers and, where ‘hanky panky’ behaviour exists, we can all guess the third individual’s identity.
“‘Bullets’ Burgess”
It’s good to see that others remember that threat. I was afraid I was the only one left who did.
It would seem to me that the truth hurts eh bpsu. One only need read the constant complaints against 3 organizations that spring immediately to mind
Apart from the obvious hilarity of Brother Bullets Burgess ranting at the civil service in the context of the parallel story of the St. Georges Restaurant debacle….the response from the union is disingenuous at best.
“Staff are…” overworked due to long-standing staff shortages. LOL. Boo Hoo, welcome to the real world. The issue with the civil service isn’t lack of staff, it’s hideously overpopulated, but lack of efficiency and noone held to account.
“have gone years without a cost-of-living adjustment”….just like the rest of us.
Everyone in Bermuda has a horror story when dealing with the civil service.