Former permanent secretary Roselyn Lauren Khan, who received a public service medal of merit gold award on Monday, admitted that the standards in the public sector have fallen.
Khan said sometimes workers settle for mediocrity instead of striving for excellence.
This was the view shared by Khan, moments after she was presented with a national award for public service by President Anthony Carmona at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.
Questioned by the media about the state of the public sector, Khan said public servants needed to build stronger institutions.
Having worked with former head of the public service Reginald Dumas, Khan said one thing she learnt from him was setting high standards, working hard and giving your best.
“It was a joy to serve your country. I always wanted to make a contribution to society and country.”
Khan worked for five years as a permanent secretary in several ministries and served in the diplomatic service for 34 years.
Today, she said things have changed in the public service.
“I think institutions have kind of broken down. I think we need to strengthen institutions. We need stronger leadership at all levels in society. And people who are selfless in service.”
Khan said she was a bit “disappointed” the way the public sector had evolved.
“That standards have fallen. Sometimes I feel mediocrity is the new standard, “ said Khan, who retired seven years ago.
However, Khan said there were still good people in the public sector who still work hard and are dedicated to service and country.
“I am not going to give up hope. My dad always used to say it is better to live in hope than die in despair.”