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Contact:
Shannon Lebourne
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – Director of Finance, Mr. Issac Anthony,
says government is continually reviewing its options to facilitate higher levels
of productivity within the public service.
He says, as part of new efforts to increase public service productivity,
government will be undertaking functional reviews of all its ministries and
departments, to determine whether they are achieving the objectives as outlined
in their mandate.
Mr. Anthony, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance,
says government’s ultimate goal is to position the public service to operate at
its optimum.
“An audit of all work programmes and job descriptions will be undertaken to
assess whether they are in keeping with the role of the corresponding
departments and units. Measures will also be undertaken to foster a work culture
that is performance oriented. This will include the creation of an environment
in which output is measured on a regular basis and in a systematic manner,
allowing for greater transparency in awarding promotions.”
The Finance Director says government is also examining the establishment of a
National Productivity Council in partnership with the private sector.
He says although the exercise will be complex, once properly established, the
National Productivity Council will drive productivity in all sectors of the
economy.
“This is something that the prime minister is very interested in and it has been
raised a lot by him. The target date for the implementation of the National
Productivity Council is before the end of the current financial year. I know
that a committee has been appointed to work on this matter. I believe once the
Council is implemented, it will really address the core of some of the problems
facing the public service,” Anthony said.
“It is also the intention of government to reassess and strengthen existing
financial administrative structures,” Anthony remarked, to ensure compliance
“with sound financial and management practices.”
However he says, the support and commitment of all public officers, union
representatives and stakeholders is required for enhanced productivity within
the public service.
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