Minister of State with responsibility for the Public Service Rudyard Spencer says his first order of business will be to complete negotiations with the public sector groups that are yet to sign on to the Heads of Agreement for wage increases and improved benefits for the 2015/17 period.

“I know we are 98 per cent complete but I will meet with the staff on Monday (today). We need to get the rest out of the way and then we can move towards the transformation,” he said, while applauding the efforts of the ministry’s negotiation team.

The state minister was speaking with JIS News after a special staff meeting at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s National Heroes Circle location on Friday.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw and Minister of State Fayval Williams also met with staff.

Spencer said he will meet with the groups that have not yet signed the agreement after acquainting himself with the progress of the wage negotiations.

He emphasised the need for partnership in advancing the interest of the public sector.

“The business of the public service has just begun and together we will find solutions, together we will make the tough decisions that have to be made. We have no illusion about the task that is ahead of us but I am confident that with the type and calibre of people we have in the public service and with God’s will, we will not only overcome but we will move forward,” he said.