Port Vila – Staff of the Office Public Service Commission (OPSC) have commenced a week-long training from 25th of August, at the OPSC Office Conference Room in Port Vila. The training has ended on Friday, 29 August 2025.

The training was facilitated by the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics (VBOS) and includes contributions from key officials: Deputy Chief Statistician Mr. Charlington Leo, Manager of the Social and Environment Section Mr. Jimmy Tamkela, and Manager of Statistical Leadership Coordination Mr. Roger Smithy, along with other VBOS staff with coordination provided through the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM), the training arm of the OPSC.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary of the Office of the Public Service Commission, Mr. James Melteres, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of data in improving public service management and accurate data handling within the public service.

“This training is a great opportunity for the Public Service Commission. We manage a vast amount of data, and this training will help ensure it is correctly and clearly entered,” said Mr. Melteres.

Mr. Tamkela explained that the training aims to build a foundational understanding of statistics stressing that effective policy-making depends on credible data.

“We can’t make any policy decisions without reliable datasets,” he stated.

The sessions focused on the Structure and Mandate of the VBOS, the Vanuatu Statistics Act, and their alignment with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) and its policy framework. Other sessions of that day also explored the Importance of Statistical Data, Key Statistical Terminologies, and the Fundamentals of Data Analysis, concluding with a focus on Statistical Terminology.

The training continued through the week and ended on Friday 29th August 2025 with practical sessions to equip OPSC staff with skills to improve data quality, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and enhance evidence-based decision-making across government.