Public servants are preparing to launch the "Talofa with a Smile Campaign" which is aimed at better service delivery to coincide with the Public Service Day celebration on Monday.

The Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) issued a press statement to advise of the celebration. However, members of the public may have difficulties getting service from government offices on the day, as the second half of the day has been dedicated towards "events in the public service sector". 

Nonetheless, the P.S.C. has warned civil servants in its press statement that all offices should operate as normal until 1 pm on Monday. The commission said the day is to reflect and honour the legacy and pioneering spirit of former public servants who have passed on and those who have retired.

“Most importantly, agencies are expected to operate normal services to the public on the first half of the day," reads the P.S.C. statement. "A half day effective from 1 pm to 5 pm is granted for the purpose of allowing each ministry to conduct its own programs internally to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of their employees to the development of Samoa.

“All agencies are reminded that the Public Service Day half-day is not to be treated as a day off or holiday.”

The events on Monday will mark the twelfth year Public Service Day will be celebrated with the theme “Agaga Tautua or Spirit of Service”. The theme is a reminder of the underlying values by which public services are premised, those of service, respect and efficiency.

“In honour of this year’s Public Service Day, the Cabinet invites all public servants across the public sector agencies to join the public service parade. The march will commence from the Ministry of Police compound to the FMFM II Building, Matagialalua,” reads the statement.

“All agencies are to assemble at the allocated car park by 6.00 am with the march to commence at 7.30 am. This will be followed by a thanksgiving prayer service, with the Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio delivering the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa to officially open Public Service Day 2023."

Leading up to the Public Service Day, the P.S.C. utilised its social media platforms to gauge the public’s perspectives on the quality of frontline services and customer service in general in the Government. The polls were intended to build momentum on the "Talofa with a Smile Campaign".

With the support of Australia’s Tautai Facility, and ensuring that Public Service Day is an inclusive activity, the Government has included the services of a sign language interpreter through the Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA) organisation for the day.

Similar to past celebrations, all government agencies are encouraged to organise events to commemorate the Public Service Day that will raise public awareness of the services provided.