The Editor, Sir:

Your Letter of the Day entitled 'Civil Service in run-down state', which appeared in the Monday, November 19 publication of The Gleaner, necessitates a response. While I have no problem with criticism that is healthy and helps to effect adjustments, I find the correspondence offensive. Admittedly, despite significant reforms that are taking place in the civil services some degree of deficiencies does exist. However, a comprehensive analysis of the reforms will show substantial improvements in service delivery. Training is of ultimate importance in the process. Never before in the history of the civil service have such a large number of civil servants sought training at the University of the West Indies, University of Technology and other tertiary institutions.

Impeccable integrity

This attests to the fact that every effort is being made to pro-fessionalise the civil service, so as to make it efficient, competent, politically neutral and accountable in the pursuit of its role and service to the people of Jamaica.

The central objective of the reforms is to restore the service to its pre-eminence.

According to the writer, the current civil service lacks persons with the relevant competencies and expertise - a most unfortunate observation. The civil service continues to attract and retain highly-qualified persons of impeccable integrity like Dr. Carlton Davis, Kingsley Thomas, Bro. Eddie Bailey (retiree), Bro. Wayne Jones and others not mentioned here.

It is in view of the foregoing that I reject the views posted by the learned writer.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE ATKINSON J.P.

18 Wattley Avenue

Kingston 10