The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Public Service announced on Friday that it is aiming to revamp and digitalise the public service in an effort to improve operational efficiency.

State Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said her ministry intends to revamp the human resources sector of the service.

Mrs Glover-Rolle said following an analysis of the backlog of files within the ministry last year, officials have discovered what is necessary moving forward to prevent the recurrence.

This year, she said, the ministry is set to engage in a digital document management system as well as a human resources management information system that speaks to the digital management of human resources and its processes within the public service.

“We also spoke to growth and providing that room for growth through relocation into a new Public Service Ministry building, which will allow us to not only enhance our office space in our physical building, but also allow us to supplement our human resources, adding more hands-on depth to do the work that’s required as a Public Service,” she said at a press conference on Friday.

In explaining the process of the digitisation, Ms Glover-Rolle said: “So digitalisation is twofold. First and foremost, it is a document management system. The Bahamas public service has over 22,000 employees which represents a paper file for every employee based on the length of time they’ve been in.

“The digitisation process speaks to scanning of our paper files into a digital document management system which speaks to ease of access of files, which speaks to shortening the time in terms of processes that need to be engaged, which also speaks to an ability for accuracy.

“In terms of processing of any files, or documents within the public service, we look forward to adding this document management solution, because many of the long waits that we engage in the public services simply because we’re looking for actual files. If we have these files centralised and a document management solution. Then there’s easier and swifter access to files and documents.

“The second portion is our HR management information system. When we hear about promotional backlogs, confirmations, reclassifications, that have to be engaged. We now will have a system where we are able to have a digital check and balance in regard to ensuring that we keep on top of all of the needs of our employees and nobody, no public servant can fall through the proverbial cracks anymore.”

Mrs Glover-Rolle said that is the goal for her ministry to go paperless as the world is evolving. She also said the Bahamas Public Service Union and her ministry are in communication and are prepared to resume negotiations from February 6-12 on a new industrial agreement.