PM Dr. Friday: Public Servants Were Not Allowed to ‘Function Properly’ 

By Val Matthias. Updated 2:16 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday says public servants under the former administration were unable to carry out their duties effectively because of political interference and fear of displeasing ministers.

Speaking during an interview on National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Radio on the government’s plans for economic reform and the proposed National Development Bank, Friday said his administration is seeking to create a more professional and empowered public service.

“You know what part of the problem was in the past government?” Friday said. “The public servants, they know what they’re supposed to do. They know what their jobs are or were. But they weren’t allowed to function properly.”

The Prime Minister said many workers in the public sector felt constrained in making decisions independently.

“They always had to look over their shoulder to see if this is politically sanctioned,” he said. “And when you do that, then you slow everything down because you can’t do your work because you’re never sure if you’re going to run afoul of some minister in the government because you made a decision that they don’t like.”

Dr. Friday said the current administration wants civil servants to operate based on their professional judgment without fear of political repercussions.

“I said to public servants, do your work,” he said. “Once this is your professional judgment, do it, do it properly. You’re not gonna be micromanaged by your minister.”

The comments came as the Prime Minister outlined what he described as a broader effort to modernise government operations, improve efficiency, and create a more supportive environment for businesses and investment.

He acknowledged frustrations over delays within the public sector, including the time required to process business applications and payments to contractors.

“You’re setting up a company, it shouldn’t take you two months,” Friday said, arguing that government systems must become faster and more responsive.

During the programme, a caller complained about delays in obtaining services and payments from government offices, saying civil servants needed to “move rapidly” if the country was to develop economically.

Responding, Dr. Friday said the government was reviewing outstanding payments owed to contractors and intended to improve payment timelines.

“You’ve done the service, you’ve done the work, you should be paid,” he said, adding that the administration hoped to settle smaller payments within 28 days.

The Prime Minister also urged public servants to recognise the importance of their role in national development.

“Your value to the institution is tremendous,” he said. “You must always think that if I’m not there, something is not going to get done that is essential.”

Dr. Friday said improving morale and removing unnecessary bureaucracy were key parts of his government’s approach to reforming the public service and stimulating economic growth.

END