30 Public Sector Procurement Specialists Participating in Training Course

Thirty procurement specialists and lawyers across the public sector are benefitting from a five-day course in procurement law and practice.

The training got underway on February 23 at the Old Hope Road campus of the Management Institute for National Development (MIND).

It is intended to equip the participants with valuable tools and techniques that will enable them to successfully lead and guide legislative changes within the field of public procurement, which will enhance public sector efficiency.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training programme, Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Devon Rowe, noted that the course is critical to the development of Jamaica.

He urged the participants, once they have completed the training, “to return from where you came and you will spread the good word that the procurement process is not a stranglehold, but expertise and knowledge are required to move the process forward quickly.”

Acting Chief Executive Officer at MIND, Marlene Campbell, said a modern public service demands that there is efficiency, accountability and transparency in all operations, including public procurement.

She noted that the aim of the training is to develop a group of specialists in the field of public procurement, who will also be responsible for guiding and leading legislative changes within the public service.

The programme is being delivered in collaboration with the Office of the Cabinet, and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. It concludes on February 27.