Improving Public Sector Efficiencies Key – Williams

State Minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says that improving efficiencies through the modernisation and transformation of the public sector is critical in achieving higher levels of economic growth.

            “These (elements) will help to speed up growth. One of our goals is to move the needle beyond the point of 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8 per cent growth. We would love to be seeing six, seven and eight per cent growth,” she said.

            The State Minister was addressing the senior management of the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) at the agency’s downtown Kingston location on March 18.

            She said by achieving higher and sustained rates of growth “we will begin to see the kinds of jobs being created that we really need in this country.”

            Following the meeting, the Minister toured several units within the AGD and also attended the agency’s staff awards ceremony where 50 employees were recognised for sterling contribution made last year.

            In her remarks at the ceremony, the State Minister expressed pleasure at the work of the AGD and the measures being undertaken to improve service delivery.

She lauded the improvement in turnaround time for the production of life certificates from three to five weeks to four hours.

            Ms. Williams also recognised the gains made with the Central Treasury Management System (CTMS) in improving payments to suppliers of goods and services to the Government of Jamaica.

The system allows for centralisation of the Government’s cash management function.

The AGD is the nation’s Treasury and the operational department within the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service charged with facilitating and reporting on the flow of funds within the public sector.