Minister of Labour and Public Service, Pia Glover-Rolle, recently highlighted the significant role of re-engaged retirees in the public service, noting that the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) accounts for the largest share of these re-employment efforts.
"The Police Force is the largest source of re-employment in public service by a large margin," Glover-Rolle stated, underlining that nearly half of the re-engaged retirees have been brought back to serve with the RBPF. In a report provided earlier this week, the Minister confirmed that 450 retirees were officially re-employed, with 213, or nearly half, returning to the police force.
"This reflects the need for continued institutional expertise," she added, explaining that the experienced personnel have been crucial in addressing staffing shortages and supporting younger recruits. She continued, "The Police Force has benefited from the experience of seasoned personnel, who have helped to mitigate understaffing in some units, respond to surges in crime, and mentor new recruits."
Over the past few years, the government has also worked to bring in a fresh generation of Bahamians to fill key positions across the public service. "Over the past three years, the Davis administration has recruited and integrated a talented new generation of Bahamians into the public service, while also leveraging the benefits of institutional expertise and proficiencies," Glover-Rolle shared.
She expressed pride in the new generation of leaders being developed within the public service, with many young Bahamians already stepping into senior roles. "Among the 2,000 young Bahamians we've hired, many are already serving in senior roles and making significant contributions. For us, it is a great source of pride and optimism that these emerging leaders will be shaping policy and public service for years to come."
The Minister also explained that the re-employment of retirees, though not ideal, remains a necessary measure for ensuring smooth operations. "Each re-employment decision is made after an assessment of the individual’s ability to provide operational support, fill gaps, mentor newer employees, or otherwise offer value," she said.
These re-engagements help maintain a balance, she explained, "until the identified gaps can be filled." She emphasized that the decision to rehire retirees is often a pragmatic solution to challenges such as competition from the private sector and overseas job opportunities, but it must complement efforts to invest in the next generation of public servants.
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