Text and image: Edwien Bodjie
PARAMARIBO – “Let’s be honest: we know there is corruption. Corruption is a virus. It starts small, with a gift, a service to a friend or a ‘forgotten’ invoice. It can grow when you have weaknesses.”
With these words, guest speaker Robby Rijssel held up a mirror to those present on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of approximately 750 civil servants in Ballroom Prince. The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of the Interior, focused on responsibility, integrity and restoring confidence in the government. After years without such moments, officials took the oath or affirmation again.
Not a symbolic act
Rijssel made it clear that the oath is not a symbolic act, but a promise to society. According to him, citizens’ trust rests on four pillars: service, integrity, employability and resilience against corruption.
He reminded the civil servants that they are not holders of power, but servants of the people. This requires patience, empathy and the willingness to actually help citizens, even when systems fail. He called integrity the moral anchor that provides guidance in difficult choices, especially when personal relationships or outside pressure play a role.
Employability was also explicitly discussed. According to him, flexibility, taking responsibility and being willing to make extra efforts contribute to the functioning of the government. “A deployable civil servant is a reliable civil servant, and a reliable civil servant makes for a reliable government,” he said. At the same time, he warned about the gradual way in which corruption can creep in. That is precisely why alertness and a strong attitude are necessary.
Trust as a foundation
Acting HRM director at the ministry, Marjory Mulier, followed up with a message about the core of being a civil servant. “Service means listening, understanding and acting with respect,” she told those present.
According to Mulier, the work of a civil servant extends beyond rules and procedures. Behind every file are people who depend on a well-functioning government. She called trust the most important capital that the government has.
She called on civil servants to constantly ask themselves what citizens need and how they can contribute to it. Care, approachability and a strong sense of standards are indispensable. In situations of doubt, personal values and professional principles should provide direction. She also mentioned collaboration and continuous development within the organization as important factors.
Legal and moral charge
Director Nasier Eskak discussed the legal nature of the oath. He pointed out that the swearing-in ceremony is a legally required act that centers on honesty, impartiality and dedication to the public interest.
At the same time, he indicated that the oath must be more than an obligatory moment. Its content should be visible in the daily functioning of civil servants. Eskak also reflected on the origin of the oath formula, which dates back to a state decision from 1966. The text is being considered to be adapted so that it better reflects current times and perceptions.
After the speeches the formal part followed. Under the guidance of Eskak and Minister Marinus Bee, executives from various ministries first took the oath, after which the other civil servants followed. They were called on in groups to stand up and say the oath or promise. They stated, among other things, that they would not accept gifts or promises and that they would perform their duties honestly and conscientiously.
Finally, Rijssel said that this day represented a clear moment of confirmation for the officials involved. Not only of their position, but also of the responsibility that comes with it. Rijssel: “What is said during the oath must be visible on a daily basis in the actions of the civil servant.”
