Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry, Dr Nanda Gopaul says public servants' wages may be poor but changes are likely to occur.

He was guest speaker at a two-day retreat for the Ministry of Foreign Trade last week. The conference was to set clear benchmarks for workers in 2004 and beyond.

Gopaul said current salaries should improve but a healthier work ethic was needed.

He also highlighted the need for a prompt and efficient delivery service and raised the idea of an inter-ministerial network to help enhance these efforts. "We recognize and we understand the need for you be paid greater, but we have to get to that level."

Minister of Foreign Trade, Clement Rohee was also present at the retreat held at Guyana National Service Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue.

According to GINA the retreat, due to finish on Saturday, was focussed on giving workers a strong idea of the tasks they face in the year ahead.

This included assigning and reassigning desk responsibilities among staff and giving a clear orientation to the political objectives of the government.