Gov’t of Jamaica Procurement Awards to Be Established

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ), through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, is looking to establish the GOJ Procurement Awards.

This initiative aims to celebrate excellence and innovation in the public procurement system across various entities, according to Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.

He was speaking during the Elevate Procurement Conference on Tuesday (April 23) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James.

Dr. Clarke emphasised the Administration’s commitment to recognising and rewarding outstanding achievements in public procurement, which is the acquisition of goods, works and services by the Government and State enterprises.

“So we will have a whole spectrum of awards that gives lots of opportunities. This is going to be like the Grammys [because] procurement is big business, and we are going to make sure it is celebrated like big business,” the Minister stated.

Dr. Clarke said the awards are intended to motivate individuals and teams within “departments, units, ministries, and agencies” to strive for excellence in public procurement practices.

“Our intention is to make public procurement a rewarding career, choice and option with various ladders and stages… that you can stay in… for your entire career, and have a fulfilling career,” he added.

The Minister also underscored the importance of professionalism in procurement, noting that it contributes significantly to national development.

The Awards are expected to raise the profile of public procurement and highlight its importance in driving efficiency and transparency in government operations.

The Elevate Procurement Conference is being held from April 23 to 25 with representatives from public procurement oversight institutions; suppliers of goods, services and works; civil society; local corruption watchdogs; regional procurement practitioners; and Latin American Procurement experts in attendance.

The event is intended to clarify the procurement process, facilitate discussions about local public procurement, and showcase interplay and interrelationships between stakeholders in public procurement, among other engagements.