DPA rewards long-serving staff |29 December 2017
Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon has urged the staff of the Department of Public Administration (DPA) to continue to provide a high standard of service and remain resilient even amid criticism.
Minister Mondon said this yesterday during the DPA annual long service award ceremony hosted at the National House. Also present was the secretary of state for Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Afif.
Six staff members who have clocked 20 to 45 years with the DPA and in the public service were rewarded. Marie-Ange Charlot was rewarded for her 35 years, Mirella Iwoku has served for 30 years, Marie-Antoinette Gilbert and Veronique Monthy have both worked for the department for 25 years and Danielle Porrice clocked 20 years.
One of the longest serving staff, Yvonia Richardson, director general for public administration and compliance division at DPA, received recognition for her 45 years in the public service -- 24 of which were spent with the DPA. She was presented with a certificate and various tokens by Minister Mondon.
Mrs Richardson was also presented with a token of appreciation for her work at the department since she was recently promoted to principal secretary for administration in the President’s Office and will be leaving her DPA colleagues, effective January 1, 2018.
Employees who have been with the department for 5 to 15 years, staff attached to the DPA, those who took part in various training and courses, as well as those retiring in 2018 were also rewarded.
On behalf of President Danny Faure, Minister Mondon congratulated both the staff for their years of service and Mrs Richardson on her new promotion.
“DPA is truly not an easy place to work because there is this false perception out there that makes people criticise this department, but I believe that when you are regulating and correcting things you expect these sorts of criticism,” the minister stated while addressing the attendees.
“But no matter what is said about this department, I know for a fact that ministries and other departments will not be able to survive without the support of the DPA. You should all feel proud for your hard work and continue giving the best of yourselves.”
On her side, Jessie Esparon, the chief secretary and head of the public service, evoked the same sentiment in her speech stating that the auspicious occasion was meant to honour the staff for their devotion, loyalty, perseverance and their experience.
“We do a lot of work here, especially collaborative work, and there remains a lot to be accomplished. In 2018 the department will remain committed to producing results,” Ms Esparon emphasised.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the press, Mrs Richardson revealed that she is looking forward to her new appointment as principal secretary of administration in the President’s Office, although she will miss the camaraderie and work partnership she has built with the staff at DPA.
Having entered the world of public service in 1972, Mrs Richardson has risen in ranks and has worked in an administrative capacity in a multitude of places such as the ministry of education, tourism board, ministry of tourism and ministry of agriculture.
“I feel honoured and happy to have been chosen by the President to serve as principal secretary. I have devoted all my working life to the government and to the people of Seychelles so I feel that that has been appreciated. Now I will once again give my best in my new post.”
The award ceremony concluded with an end of year lunch for the DPA staff.
