Latest news with #GoldShield


Daily Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Northern and Southern Municipalities Achieve Gold Category in Government Service Evaluation
The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture has received the prestigious Gold Shield following the outstanding performance of the Southern and Northern municipal service centers, which achieved the Gold Category rating in the fifth edition of the Government Service Centers Evaluation Program (Taqyeem 5). During the official handover ceremony, Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director-General of the Institute of Public Administration and Deputy Chairperson of the Evaluation Committee, presented the shield to H.E. Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. Driven by Visionary Leadership Minister Wael Al Mubarak praised the guidance of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighting that his directives continue to instill a culture of excellence and sustainable development across government institutions. 'These accomplishments reflect the commitment to delivering high-quality services to citizens and residents while constantly enhancing customer service centers,' the minister said. He also commended the dedicated efforts of staff at the Northern Municipality's customer service center in A'ali and the Southern Municipality's public service center, emphasizing that their excellence was instrumental in achieving the Gold Category classification. Commitment to Sustainable Development and Innovation Eng. Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs, underscored the importance of ongoing development in government services, stressing the need to enhance competitiveness, efficiency, innovation, and creativity in the public sector. He credited the Taqyeem program for motivating Team Bahrain to pursue modern, technology-driven service delivery models, adding: 'The Gold Category recognition is a direct result of strict adherence to the criteria set by the evaluation committee, which reflects both municipalities' commitment to improving government performance and elevating service quality.' The undersecretary affirmed that the ministry is dedicated to ensuring all service centers under its umbrella continue to evolve, noting that such recognitions will significantly contribute to enhancing municipal services nationwide. Bahrain Defence Force Sends 50th Hajj Delegation in Honor of National Service In a related development, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force lauded the deployment of the 50th Hajj Delegation as a tribute to the tireless dedication of BDF personnel. He noted that this annual mission reflects the continued care and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for the heroic efforts of the BDF members in service of the nation. Guidance, Unity, and Prayers for the Nation The commander delivered heartfelt directives to the delegation, urging them to uphold the values of Islamic compassion and unity, and to extend warmth and cooperation among fellow pilgrims. He also encouraged them to offer prayers for Bahrain's fallen heroes, asking for divine mercy upon their souls, and to remember their brothers stationed in southern Saudi Arabia, serving as part of the Arab Coalition Forces supporting legitimacy in Yemen. He further extended his appreciation to the Saudi government for the comprehensive services provided to pilgrims, ensuring a smooth and peaceful Hajj experience. 'May this holy journey be accepted and sins forgiven,' the commander stated, concluding with a prayer for continued blessings and prosperity for Bahrain and the broader Arab and Islamic nations.


Daily Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
iGA's ID Card Center at Seef Mall - Arad Wins Gold Shield in Taqyeem Evaluation
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has once again demonstrated its excellence in public service, with its ID Card Center at Seef Mall – Arad earning the prestigious Gold Category classification in the fifth edition of the Taqyeem Government Service Center Evaluation Program. In a formal ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director General of the Institute of Public Administration and Vice Chairperson of the Government Service Centers Evaluation Committee (Taqyeem), presented the Gold Shield to the iGA in recognition of this outstanding achievement. The event was attended by committee members, administrative leadership, and the judging panel. 🔹 Recognition of Visionary Leadership and Excellence Ms. Dua'a Sultan Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive of Statistics and Population Registry at iGA, expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, crediting the achievement to the visionary leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She emphasized the impact of his strategic directives in promoting service excellence, efficiency, and citizen-centered government operations. She also extended gratitude to His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology (MCICT), whose continued support has been instrumental in enabling iGA to deliver innovative and high-quality services. 🔹 A Fourth Gold Category Win The Seef Mall - Arad branch of the ID Card Center has now achieved the Gold Category distinction for the fourth time, a testament to its consistent performance, dedication to improvement, and unwavering customer focus. According to Ms. Sultan, the center's recognition was driven by its adherence to key performance criteria, including ease of access, streamlined procedures, availability of multiple service channels (both digital and in-person), and its responsiveness to citizen feedback through the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul). 🔹 Commitment to Innovation and Customer Satisfaction The success follows the implementation of comprehensive development plans that addressed feedback from previous evaluation cycles. These enhancements significantly improved service delivery and customer satisfaction, aligning the center with international benchmarks for public service. Ms. Sultan reaffirmed iGA's dedication to enhancing government service competitiveness and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence across all service centers. She also praised the team behind the achievement for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to public service.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Orland Park to appeal ruling reinstating fired police officer who alleged discrimination
Orland Park says it will ask an arbitrator to reconsider a ruling reinstating a former police sergeant fired last February. William Sanchez had been with the department since 2004 and was fired Feb. 16, 2024. Arbitrator James Dworkin said last month Sanchez was not fired for just cause and ordered the village to reinstate him to his former position with the Police Department and 'make him whole for all losses suffered.' Sanchez sought reinstatement along with back pay. Orland Park, in a statement the firing 'was made for ample cause after a thorough and impartial process' and said officials will appeal the decision. The village said it had 'clear and justifiable reasons for its decision, supported by substantial evidence showing that Mr. Sanchez engaged in conduct detrimental to the operations and leadership of the Police Department.' The village said it would not make any more comment because the matter is still pending. At the time of his firing, Sanchez was president of the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association, a bargaining unit separate from patrol officers that represents police sergeants and lieutenants in the department. Sanchez was hired in 2004 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2021 and that August was assigned as supervisor of the department's traffic safety unit. He alleged harassment and racial discrimination on the part of Chief Eric Rossi and then assistant Chief Brian West. The village hired a private investigation firm, Gold Shield Detective Agency, as well as an outside law firm, Clark Hill, to oversee the Sanchez allegations as well as a charge by West, now retired, against Sanchez. Sanchez lodged complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He alleged he was not promoted to lieutenant because of harassment by West and because of his Mexican heritage, according to the Gold Shield report. After conducting several interviews, Gold Shield determined Sanchez was not discriminated against. West alleged Sanchez and other officers were creating a hostile work environment for him and trying to push him out of his job as he was approaching retirement. The Gold Shield firm said it did find evidence Sanchez contributed to exposing West to a work environment that was 'hostile and unwelcoming.' The supervisors association filed a grievance two days after Sanchez was fired, alleging he was terminated without just cause and was due to his filing a discrimination complaint. Charges drafted against Sanchez were to be heard by Orland Park's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, but he waived his right to a hearing and opted instead to proceed directly to arbitration, according to the village. The hearing was conducted over four days in late August and early September of last year. Dworkin, in his ruling, said the investigator who conducted the interviews was not called to testify over the course of the hearing. 'This arbitrator has held hundreds of arbitration cases over the years and it is very unusual to not have the person who conducted the investigation testify at the hearing,' Dworkin wrote. 'His absence calls into question the fairness of the investigatory process,' the arbitrator said. The arbitrator said the village's deputy police chief at the time testified Sanchez was a 'highly competent' traffic officer, and the then village manager said Sanchez was not fired for poor performance. mnolan@


Chicago Tribune
06-02-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Orland Park to appeal ruling reinstating fired police officer who alleged discrimination
Orland Park says it will ask an arbitrator to reconsider a ruling reinstating a former police sergeant fired last February. William Sanchez had been with the department since 2004 and was fired Feb. 16, 2024. Arbitrator James Dworkin said last month Sanchez was not fired for just cause and ordered the village to reinstate him to his former position with the Police Department and 'make him whole for all losses suffered.' Sanchez sought reinstatement along with back pay. Orland Park, in a statement the firing 'was made for ample cause after a thorough and impartial process' and said officials will appeal the decision. The village said it had 'clear and justifiable reasons for its decision, supported by substantial evidence showing that Mr. Sanchez engaged in conduct detrimental to the operations and leadership of the Police Department.' The village said it would not make any more comment because the matter is still pending. At the time of his firing, Sanchez was president of the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association, a bargaining unit separate from patrol officers that represents police sergeants and lieutenants in the department. Sanchez was hired in 2004 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2021 and that August was assigned as supervisor of the department's traffic safety unit. He alleged harassment and racial discrimination on the part of Chief Eric Rossi and then assistant Chief Brian West. The village hired a private investigation firm, Gold Shield Detective Agency, as well as an outside law firm, Clark Hill, to oversee the Sanchez allegations as well as a charge by West, now retired, against Sanchez. Sanchez lodged complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He alleged he was not promoted to lieutenant because of harassment by West and because of his Mexican heritage, according to the Gold Shield report. After conducting several interviews, Gold Shield determined Sanchez was not discriminated against. West alleged Sanchez and other officers were creating a hostile work environment for him and trying to push him out of his job as he was approaching retirement. The Gold Shield firm said it did find evidence Sanchez contributed to exposing West to a work environment that was 'hostile and unwelcoming.' The supervisors association filed a grievance two days after Sanchez was fired, alleging he was terminated without just cause and was due to his filing a discrimination complaint. Charges drafted against Sanchez were to be heard by Orland Park's Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, but he waived his right to a hearing and opted instead to proceed directly to arbitration, according to the village. The hearing was conducted over four days in late August and early September of last year. Dworkin, in his ruling, said the investigator who conducted the interviews was not called to testify over the course of the hearing. 'This arbitrator has held hundreds of arbitration cases over the years and it is very unusual to not have the person who conducted the investigation testify at the hearing,' Dworkin wrote. 'His absence calls into question the fairness of the investigatory process,' the arbitrator said. The arbitrator said the village's deputy police chief at the time testified Sanchez was a 'highly competent' traffic officer, and the then village manager said Sanchez was not fired for poor performance.