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Gov’t Finalising Next Phase of Public Sector Modernisation Programme

  The Government is currently finalising the next phase of the Public Sector Modernisation Programme, aimed at enhancing service delivery, streamlining operations, and aligning public administration with Jamaica’s evolving development priorities. This was disclosed by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, who indicated that the next phase of reform will prioritise accelerated digitisation to improve accessibility, efficiency, and transparency, while strengthening institutional capacity to equip public officers for the evolving demands of 21st-century governance. She added that the next phase will be results-driven, embedding performance, accountability, and citizen experience at the core of service delivery. “The next phase will demand more resources, more coordination and much more change leadership than phase one. But the scale of the challenge only reinforces the importance of getting it right,” the Minister emphasised. Mrs. Williams noted that phase one of the Public Sector Transformation Programme laid a solid foundation for reform. “We are now in the final stages of approval for the next phase, and I’m excited about what it represents,” she said. “In transforming Jamaica’s public sector, it is not merely about fixing what is broken; it is about reimagining what is possible. It is about creating a system that serves its citizens with excellence, empowers its workforce and stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow,” the Minister added. She was addressing the official launch of the Change Management Methodology for the Public Sector document, at the AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston on Wednesday (July 2). The document is dubbed the ‘Change Evangelist’. Mrs. Williams said the Government remains committed to advancing public-sector modernization – streamlining operations, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery to better meet the needs of citizens and national development goals. “The public sector touches every aspect of our lives… from healthcare and education to infrastructure and social services; it is pivotal in shaping the quality of life for all Jamaicans. However, like many nations, Jamaica faces challenges, some inherited, others emerging. These challenges demand that we reimagine how our public sector operates,” she noted. Mrs. Williams acknowledged that inefficiency and outdated systems continue to hinder growth and innovation across the public sector, noting that the Government has been actively identifying these barriers and implementing remedial measures to address them. “While strides have been made over the years, we must now take decisive and bold steps to modernise, streamline and reposition the public sector. So, transformation is not an option; it’s a necessity,” she added. Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams urged stakeholders to utilise the Change Management Methodology for the Public Sector document effectively, describing it as a comprehensive guide. Executive Director of the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU), Maria Thompson Walters, described the document as a comprehensive digital playbook that deliberately guides users through a structured approach, emphasising not just theory but actionable steps supported by tools, templates, and real-world stories. “With the support of Ernst and Young (EY), we have created a playbook for our reality. The ‘Evangelist’ is available to every public officer and entity across government,” she said. Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Sewell, said the release of the document signals the Government’s firm commitment to building the systems, competencies, and culture required in the public sector to manage change effectively, consistently, and substantially. The Transformation Implementation Unit, housed within the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, is the central body driving Jamaica’s current public-sector transformation agenda. Source: Jamaica Information Service Source link: https://jis.gov.jm/govt-finalising-next-phase-of-public-sector-modernisation-programme/

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$5m in prizes for 2025 public sector debate competition

Teams will be vying for a share of almost $5 million in cash and prizes in the 2025 edition of the Public Sector Debate Competition. The highly anticipated fourth staging of the event was launched on Tuesday (April 8) at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston. It is organised by the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU) in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. This year, 26 teams – 19 returning and seven new teams – will compete, matching debating skills and wit as they discuss topical issues facing the public sector and the nation. Executive Director of TIU, Maria Thompson Walters, in highlighting the growth of the competition, said it has become a key event on the calendar of the public sector. “It remains the only platform in the public sector that brings central government and public-sector entities together,” she pointed out. She informed that in response to feedback, an additional preliminary round will be introduced this year, which means that each team will play two matches before elimination. Mrs. Thompson Walters said that the Public Sector Debate Competition is more than just securing a victory. “It’s also about fostering a culture of open dialogue and progressive solutions. The competition is a testament to the power of debating. It sharpens our critical thinking; it refines persuasive communication and cultivates the ability to engage in respectful discourse,” she said. She urged debaters to be mindful of the overuse of artificial intelligence (AI) during the competition, warning that teams could be penalised. Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, Wayne Jones, who delivered the main address on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, noted that debates allow public-sector employees to explore and discuss challenges facing various government agencies and the nation. “It is heartwarming to see so many of you here today as you get ready to participate in the competition. It reassures me that we are ready to tackle the challenges facing the public sector and, indeed, our dearly beloved country. As I look around the room, I see a group of individuals who are not just participating in debate competition, but I see future leaders, innovators, problem solvers,” Mr. Jones said. He told the participants: “Through this competition, you will debate issues that are central to the future of our public service. You will tackle topics that require bold thinking and innovative solutions. I urge you to embrace this opportunity with passion and with purpose.” Assistance and training for the debaters will be provided by the Jamaica Association of Debating and Empowerment (JADE) Limited. Founder and Executive Director of JADE, Germaine Barrett and his team, have been partners in the Public Sector Debate Competition since the first staging in 2019. – JIS

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IDB Fosters Exchange Of Ideas On Best Practices In Project Management

Local and international stakeholders came together on Tuesday (January 28) to share insights on emerging trends and best practices in project management, including the use of technology and automation to streamline processes. The discussion session, under the theme ‘Best Practices: Driving a Future of Success’, was held during the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Project Executing Unit Awards Ceremony held at the AC by Marriott Hotel in Kingston. Panellists highlighted the critical role of data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), team dynamics, and psychological safety in enhancing project outcomes. Director of the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU) in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Maria Thompson Walters, stressed the importance of data in project management. “I think we underestimate how much information we throw off and what that information can tell us. It can help us to pivot even before we run into a problem,” she noted. She underscored that effective data management goes beyond mere collection; it involves consolidating and analysing information to advise decision-making and resource allocation effectively. Senior Director responsible for Major Technology Transformation in the Ministry of National Security, Emil Holgate, echoed this sentiment while advocating for greater integration of AI in project management. “AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is something that is here, and we have to embrace it responsibly and efficiently,” he said. He noted that AI significantly enhances efficiency in risk assessment processes, allowing project managers to analyse risks in seconds rather than hours. Cross-Cultural Project Manager, Menno Valkenburg who travelled from the Netherlands for the ceremony, added another layer to the conversation by highlighting the human element in project management. He noted that, with the shift towards remote and hybrid work environments coming out of the COVID-19 experience, “it’s crucial to embrace working online but also to find opportunities to meet physically when possible. That really helps your team collaboration”. He pointed to the growing recognition of the need for personal interaction in fostering teamwork and achieving project goals. For his part, Modernisation of the State Senior Specialist at IDB, Benjamin Roseth, brought attention to the concept of psychological safety within teams. He contended, “Teams perform their best when everyone feels they’re psychologically safe. People will engage more creatively when they feel good about where they are.” Mr. Roseth stressed that fostering an environment where team members feel secure is essential for maximising productivity and innovation. During the awards ceremony, several entities were presented with trophies by the IDB in recognition of their level of project execution. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Security Strengthening Project, as well as the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) Boosting Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (BIGEE) programmes, were among the top projects awarded at the ceremony. Healthcare consulting firm Novamed was also recognised for achievements in project execution. Each year, the IDB measures the performance of the projects it funds against the agreed targets and key performance indicators. The organisation also provides tools to aid in tracking the progress of projects and their use of funds.   Source : Jamaica Information Service

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