Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug has outlined a series of internal achievements at the Ministry of VSA during his first year in office, citing leadership stability, staff development, and employee well-being as central to the Governing Program 2024–2028.
In an official year-in-review, Brug said strengthening the Ministry’s internal capacity and improving working conditions for staff were established as early priorities and have since resulted in tangible reforms.
“I recognize that our employees continue to work under demanding circumstances,” Brug said. “Staff fatigue is real, but we remain committed to improving conditions and strengthening this Ministry.”
Leadership stability
One of the first steps taken under Brug’s tenure was the appointment of a permanent Secretary-General, a move he said was necessary to ensure continuity and effective leadership.
“A Ministry cannot operate successfully without clarity and stability at the top,” Brug stated.
According to the Ministry, the appointment has improved strategic planning, internal coordination, and overall operational consistency.
Labor rights and staff safety
In his first week in office, Brug enforced full compliance with statutory paternity leave provisions, stating that employees should not have to wait for internal policy updates to receive rights already established in law.
The Ministry also distributed disaster “To-Go” bags to all staff as part of hurricane preparedness efforts, aimed at supporting employees and their families during emergencies.
Mental health and well-being initiatives
Several mental health awareness sessions were organized for staff and management, along with a VSA Sports Day to promote physical activity and stress relief.
Funding was also allocated for immediate psychological support for frontline workers. In addition, a Recovery Room equipped with a massage chair and relaxation space has been created for staff and is expected to be fully operational by December 2025.
Training, education, and digital tools
To build internal expertise, the Ministry launched a Legislative Writing and Policy Development Training Program. Five Inspectorate staff members also completed BavPol training and are awaiting their oath ceremony in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.
Funding has been allocated for additional educational programs related to public management, and laptops have been provided to all staff to support both in-office and remote work.
Staff recognition and Inspectorate strengthening
Two staff appreciation events were held during the year, recognizing current employees, long-serving civil servants, retirees, and the Ministry’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With support from TWO and the Department of Public Health, funding was secured to strengthen the VSA Inspectorate, improving enforcement capacity and service delivery.
Strategic planning and legal capacity
The Ministry completed a State of Affairs document outlining its current status and priorities for the next five years.
After the departure of its sole legal expert earlier this year, the Ministry restored its legal and legislative capacity by appointing a legal civil servant and securing legislative support for the coming years.
“There is a major shortage of legislative and legal expertise across government,” Brug said. “Strengthening this capacity within VSA was essential.”
AI training and innovation
Looking ahead, the Ministry is finalizing an agreement for Artificial Intelligence training for staff in early 2026. The initiative aims to improve efficiency, manage workloads in an understaffed environment, and enhance digital capacity.
The Ministry has also set a goal to become a leading government entity in AI-driven innovation.
“This initiative positions our staff for the future and places VSA at the forefront of modernization,” Brug said.
Looking forward
Minister Brug acknowledged ongoing challenges, including staff shortages and workload pressures, and reaffirmed his commitment to improving staff morale, workforce planning, employee well-being, and legislation regulating special benefits for ambulance personnel.
“I want to thank all VSA employees for their dedication and resilience,” Brug said. “Your work is essential to serving our community.”
The Ministry says it will continue focusing on internal strengthening as the foundation for delivering quality public services.