The government is collaborating with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on a new public-officer training programme set to launch early next year.
The Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute will serve as “the instructional and governing body” for the training and development of all new and existing public officers, according to an Aug. 4 press release from government.
“It is an incredible feeling to know that more resources are available now for the development of public officers, and, by extension, the transformation of the public service,” said Deputy Governor David Archer Jr.
Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, the permanent secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, said the training will align with the objectives in the National Sustainable Development Plan and the Public Service Transformation Plan.
She also stressed the importance of preparing public officers for upward mobility.
60 hours
The institute’s offerings will include an “Essential Learning and Development Programme” through which all public officers will complete at least 60 hours of training annually, according to government.
A recent memorandum of understanding with HLSCC will allow the institute to build on the existing framework for professional development, government noted.
Institute Interim Director Dr. Connie George — who previously served as the chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports — said the training will span from entry-level personnel to senior leaders.
“Our collective commitment to ongoing learning will contribute greatly to the overall improvement and success of the public service, leading to enhanced service delivery and better outcomes for the public,” she added. “With a specific focus on building capacity, we will continue to develop a public service that is truly one to be rivalled on the world stage.”