New public servants warned against using office for private gain

New recruits of the Public Service College were warned against using the public office for private gain and encouraged to take steps to curb any instances of misappropriation of office that they may encounter during their training.
This warning was issued at Friday’s graduation ceremony where Senior Director of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service (BCCPS), Colonel Lawrence Paul cautioned the new recruits. The ceremony was held for the second batch of young cadets which saw 60 new recruits entering the Public service system.
Colonel Paul charged the cadets to learn all that they can so that they can help to transform the public service into a professional institution, which will serve the citizenry.
Colonel Paul also told the cadets that they must embrace the virtues of integrity and impartiality and serve without bias.
“Do so without fear or favour, affection or ill will and regardless of your political

persuasion because it is an arm of the State and is not an arm of any political party. Political parties may come and go but this arm will be here all the time,” he said.
“So, our vision here at the Bertram Collins College is to embrace change very positively in the public service, not only positively but perpetually… so that this College may become that transformative institution that will bring about fundamental performance in the public service and fundamental change of behaviour of public servants,” he said.
The Senior Director also encouraged the cadets to envision themselves as the future of the public service as all their current senior officers will, someday, retire.
“You’re the ones who will be taking over and whatever you carry into the public service from this College will remain with you. They cannot stop you from being the leaders because they will not be there all the time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Public Services Commission, Michael Somersall, while delivering his featured address told the cadets that they are expected to gain self-confidence, to become grounded and to capitalise on every opportunity to learn during their training.
“We are giving you an opportunity to learn and to focus on your studies and your task now is to deliver. Our job here is to make you well grounded. Apart from content, we will be working on your attitudes, behaviours, and values system and to understand the importance of these things and what is corruption and bribery. You will be the change in the delivery of public service in Guyana. You will be the carriers of change,” Somersall noted.
The award for exemplary conduct went to Audlie Waterton, while best attendance went to Cassandra DeFlorimonte, Lorean Harris, Maurissa McCalmon, Diane Manawar and Audlie Waterton.
The most improved student for 2018 was Maurissa McCalmon.
Meanwhile, the students copping the student of the trimester award for first second and third place was Ariana Carvajal, Abdullah Ahamad and Maurissa McCalmon respectively.
Abdullah Ahamad also took the runner-up best graduating student award.
Ariana Carvajal was named the valedictorian for her exemplary performance during the programme. As such, she was awarded the Presidential Shield of Excellence, the Best Graduating Student Shield, and a Certificate of Excellence.