Scotia Group CEO Challenges Public Sector

^{Jacqueline Sharp, Scotia Group President & CEO engage members of the civil service in discussion before presenting as guest speaker at the official launch of Civil Service Week. From left is Dianne McIntosh, Director General, Wayne Jones, Deputy Financial Secretary, both from Ministry of Finance and Robert Chung, Acting President Jamaica Civil Service Association.}

[Friday, November 13, 2015] Scotia Group's President and CEO, Jacqueline Sharp, today challenged public servants to lead the charge for transformational change. Ms Sharp was guest speaker at the official launch of Civil Service Week 2015 held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on November 13, under the theme 'Diligently and Relentlessly Pursuing Quality Public Service for Sustainable Development.

"Be an agent of change where corruption is endemic. Upgrade operations where you see the need. See that waste is reduced. Transform the customer experience... each one of you can make a tremendous difference" she challenged.

Ms Sharp took the time to commend the civil service for the sacrifice they have made for the country particularly on light of the period of wage restraint. "We recognise it has been difficult and it really underscores the critical need for us to now grow our economy as this is the only way that we can improve the incomes and quality of life for our citizens" she said. "You play a critical role, you are the engine of economic development".

To be successful in implementing reform she mentioned key elements that are critical to achieving success including communicating the vision in a way that engages and gets the buy-in of all key stakeholders; a robust organisational structure with defined roles responsibilities and authority; commitment to the development of human resources through continuous training and upgrading the skills of staff. She encouraged them to "demand high service standards; train up your staff; Motivate them, and inspire them to give of their best".

Presentations were also made by Ambassador Douglas Saunders, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Mr. Robert Chung, Acting President, Jamaica Civil Service and Ms. Dianne McIntosh, Director General spoke on behalf of Mr. Devon Rowe, Financial Secretary. The need for change throughout the public service was the primary message shared throughout the proceedings.

Activities for the week will highlight the various functions of the civil services through National Church services across the island, Expo and concert in the Park, the Long Service Awards and various school activities.

About Scotia Group Jamaica Limited (SGJL)
Scotiabank has been in Jamaica since 1889 and is the premier financial institution in the country with just over 2,000 employees and 35 Branches Island wide. SGJL is a subsidiary of Scotiabank (Canada) and offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, and small business banking, wealth management, insurance, and mortgages. SGJL is an award winning institution having been named on numerous occasions as the Bank of the Year and Best Bank in Jamaica by international financial publications – the Banker, Latin Finance, Euromoney, and Global Finance magazines. SGJL has JMD$ 414 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2015). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com/jm.