Re-engagements reflect need for continued institutional expertise; over 2000 young Bahamians hired
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.
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.
Earlier this week, we noted in Parliament that the public service has also re-employed a number of
pensioners.
Although the figure provided totalled 491, we are now able to confirm that 450 of these individuals
have been officially re-employed. The remaining 41 persons listed have not been renewed to date.
In 213 of these cases – that is, nearly half – the individuals have been re-employed by the Royal
Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). In some instances, individuals have reached the required years of
service but have not yet reached retirement age. 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.
Across the public service, 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.
Based on this assessment, individuals with technical and administrative experience are often rehired
to preserve legacy knowledge and temporarily provide expertise in needed areas until the identified
gaps can be filled. This is not ideal, but it is necessary at times to facilitate efficient operations and
prepare new leaders to fill roles.
The rehiring of public servants often serves as a pragmatic short-term solution – for example, there
may be gaps in recruitment for vital roles due to competition in the private sector and overseas
employment opportunities. But this practice must complement, not detract from, investing in a new
generation. Thus, we have kept the percentage of public servants who have been re-employed under
2%.
Much work lies ahead, as we continue to balance the need to ensure operational continuity with the
urgent need to innovate as we confront complex new challenges.
As a matter of priority over the past three years, the Ministry has developed reforms aimed at
implementing comprehensive succession planning to ensure we build a resilient and adaptive 21st
century public service that works for the Bahamian people.
Please find attached to this statement the official publication listing all currently re-employed
pensioners for public information.
