$272 Million for Programme to Modernise Public Sector

In a continued bid to reform the public sector, $272 million has been set aside for the Public Sector Modernisation Programme II in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

Being implemented by the Office of the Cabinet with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Jamaica, the project seeks to enable Government Ministries, departments and agencies to develop and deliver a high quality integrated public service programme that meets the needs of customers.

It also aims to strengthen results-based management strategies; build a customer service structure that facilitates continuous improvement in the delivery of services and accountability to the public; effectively implement a Performance Management and Appraisal System (PMAS) in all ministries and departments; and to improve governance and accountability in the public sector.

Physical achievements up to January 2012 include the implementation of a modernisation plan for the Ministry of National Security; development of a Corporate Governance Framework; establishment of the Performance Management and Evaluation Unit; development of an accountability framework; and the implementation of PMAS in eight ministries and four departments.

The completion of a strategic review of the justice sector; promulgation of executive agency regulation; streamlining of the development approval process; and roll out of the AMANDA web-based tracking system  in eight local authorities and eight associated local fire departments, are other achievements for the period.

It is expected that during 2012/2013, the building development approval process is to be improved; a food and safety one-stop-shop  established;  modernisation plan for the Jamaica Customs and Inland Revenue Departments developed; and a customer service monitoring system implemented.

Also, for the period, it is anticipated that procurement and establishment of an enhanced Information Management System in the Auditor General’s Department will commence, and that four additional policy-based initiatives (PBIs) linked to Government of Jamaica priorities, will be established.

The project will also continue the modernisation programme for the Ministry of Education, regional education agencies and national inspectorate agencies, the Forestry Department, Fisheries Division and the Cabinet Office.

The project, which began in 2003, was to have ended in March 2012, but has been extended to 2014.

By Alecia Smith-Edwards, JIS Reporter