©️Stéphane Daïley Lubin
Petion-ville, June 23, 2025.- As the world celebrates 23 June World Public Service Day, Haitian officials continue to exercise in a climate of insecurity marked by the constant pressure of armed gangs. Despite a hostile environment, a glimmer of hope emerges thanks to recent efforts to integrate young people into public administration, long perceived as closed and politicized. The government, through a strong message from Prime Minister Alix Didier Fels-Aimé, calls for the public service to be a lever of transformation for Haiti.
In the metropolitan area of Port-au-prince and peripheral areas, working in the public service is an act of bravery. Ministries, town halls, public hospitals, departmental directorates, among others: no institution is immune from direct or indirect threats to the State by armed groups. Many public officials today testify to their daily lives of risky journeys, deserted or relocated offices, and constant fear of being targeted.
In Port-au-Prince, in particular, civil servants are forced to change routes every day or even hide in order to carry out their mission. Some public services temporarily close their doors when they are not relocated to areas deemed safer. Work becomes a sacrifice. The vocation, a civic duty under pressure.
A message of hope and commitment from the Primature
In this challenging context, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was anxious to send a message of gratitude and commitment. " On World Public Service Day, the Prime Minister salutes with respect the courage and resilience of our public servants, who, despite the hardships, continue to serve the nation with dedication," says a statement from the primature. Under this year's theme – "Public servants engaged in the service for an innovative and efficient Haitian public administration" – the Head of Government reaffirmed his commitment to building a more efficient, transparent and fully oriented State towards the general interest. " Public service is the foundation of our collective future. Together, let us make a real lever of transformation, stability and hope for Haiti," he insisted.
The Haitian civil service has long been seen as a small circle, often inaccessible to young graduates, due to lack of transparent competitions, fair recruitment systems or inclusive public policies. This compartmentalization has facilitated the ageing of staff and the reproduction of a management model marked by inefficiency and clientelism.
However, in recent years, a rejuvenation dynamic seems to be poised. The State has increased the number of public competition announcements, introduced professional internships in certain administrations and facilitated access to the public service for young people trained abroad or from national universities.
Low but encouraging signals
Of course, the challenges remain immense. The system remains fragile, under-equipped and sometimes gangregnated by corruption. But the signs of gradual change are visible: some young managers are now integrating strategic positions, continuing training is being provided to modernise administrative practices, and digital platforms are emerging to improve transparency in the recruitment process.
This desire to rebuild a younger, more competent and more inclusive public service, despite the environment of terror, deserves to be welcomed on this world day. Because this is a fundamental lever for re-building the state, ensuring the continuity of public services and restoring citizen confidence.
On this World Public Service Day, paying tribute to Haitian officials is recognizing the courage of those who continue to serve their country, sometimes at the risk of their lives. It is also encouraging ongoing reforms to make the public service an area of excellence, inclusion and loyal service to the nation.
WA
