NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest said yesterday that while the government is mindful of the cost of new public service hires and promotions, it is a needed within the public sector.
“We are very mindful of the cost to the public service and we continue to be very disciplined to that expenditure, but unfortunately there are some needs in the public service,” Turnquest explained.
Earlier this week, Minister of Public Service and National Insurance Brensil Rolle told reporters that the ministry will welcome new employees and promoting some that have given an excess of 10 years.
Despite concerns in some quarters about the strain these hires may present on the government’s budget, Turnquest said the public service sector must become effective.
He said, “Despite the cost, we do have to be effective and ensure that we have the resources available to serve the public as they wish and need, and to be efficient about it.”
According to the minister, the government will keep a close eye on the government’s expenditure.
The government is gearing up to release it third quarter performance report.
“As we move into the next year we will continue to exercise as much strength and discipline as we can,” Turnquest said.
“We are happy where we are today in terms of our fiscal balance and we will very shortly be out with our third quart fiscal snapshot.
“We are very pleased that the public will be pleased at where we are at this particular point.
“Leading into the fiscal year we are watching the pennies as we go to make sure we don’t have a runaway train at the end.”
