Digitising public sector will result in efficient systems: Dr Chang

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says digitising the public sector will allow for more modern and efficient systems.

“What we have dubbed e-government transformational work, in tandem with enhanced human resource capacity, will serve to create a digital government as we transition to a digital society,” he said.

Dr. Chang, who represented Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, was addressing the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry awards banquet, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on December 8.

“These changes are not only incumbent upon the Administration to pursue, but must reflect the commitment of the Government to provide the best service to our citizens as we modernise the nation,” the Minister said.

Dr Chang also argued that the changes will strengthen international and private-sector partnerships as well as present better investment opportunities for the island.

“When the Jamaican economy is set upon a foundation of efficient systems and stronger external relationships, partnerships will be easily established. This will widen investment opportunities and showcase the skills, talents and resources of our nation to the world. When all processes are streamlined through data sharing and integration, an innovative, proactive and productive public administration will be the result,” the Minister said.

One of the digitisation projects slated to commence soon is the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s replacement of the existing work permit system, with a new web-based work permit management system.

Dr. Chang underscored the importance of having the right personnel to work in the new and improved public sector, and of providing the necessary training needed to equip workers.

“As we pursue a more modern, efficient public service with improved systems, we must also engage knowledge-based workers. We will need professionals (to operate these systems) and we are committed, as a Government, to the training and development required to accomplish this type of staffing. Of course, this means that we will have to recognise the skill sets we require in all the sectors,” the Minister said.

The awards ceremony, which was themed ‘Embracing modernisation, championing advocacy’, served to recognise outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs based in the Second City. The event also saw the induction of retired businessman, Winston Dear, into the organisation’s Business Leaders Wall of Fame.