The BPSU implores members of the general public to discontinue to buy-into the negative rhetoric purported about the work ethic, aptitude and lack of accountability of senior civil servants. These are highly skilled competent individuals that should be applauded for their hard work and commitment to the Government of the Day.

We believe that senior civil servants are accountable for their actions.

We are concerned that the issues of accountability are being unfairly discussed in public forums.

On November 8, 2014 the Royal Gazette published survey results revealing that 74 per cent of the 2155 citizens polled confirmed that “senior civil servants should be appointed on a temporary contract renewable basis”.

In addition, the Minister of Finance has intensified the call for greater accountability of the senior civil servants in recent meetings, stemming from purported SAGE Commission report findings.

The successful implementation of the Government’s collective objectives depends on the ability and professionalism of senior civil servants. Senior Civil Servants are mandated by law to respect the authority of the Cabinet and to carry out its policies to the fullest extent. No Government can function effectively without utilising the capability of senior civil servants.

Therefore, Ministers specify policy and objectives to the permanent secretaries who then devises practical options for achieving the Ministers’ mandates. This requires senior civil servants to advise Ministers on policies/law that may impact other government initiatives and explore ways in dealing with the implications of each option.

Planning, organising, execution, control and evaluation are key for the success of the Minister‘s initiatives for which the senior civil servant is held accountable. However, senior civil servants often have to manoeuvre through a maze of political, economic and social interests requiring them to formulate complex technical, managerial and legal solutions.

If a Minister decides to ignore the advice of a senior civil servant the politician risks making serious errors but the senior civil servants faces breaching Financial Instructions, the Constitution, statutes and other policies.

The BPSU accepts criticism of senior civil servants when it is justified, but the attempts to erode the credibility of these workers must stop.

•Ed Ball is general secretary of the Bermuda Public Service Union (BPSU)