NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of State for the Public Service, the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle said that on the 19th of December, 2022, the Cabinet of The Bahamas approved the digitalization of the records, files, and workflows for the Ministry of Public Service.

“This is a critical investment in improved efficiency and increased effectiveness as the Public Service carries out its mandate as the government’s Human Resources department. Once complete, this exercise will change the way the Public Service works for years to come,” the Minister of State said during her Contribution to the Mid-Year Budget Debate in the House of Assembly, March 1, 2023.

She explained that the process of digitalization has already been initiated.

“Considering the accelerated pace at which we are moving, we are requesting an additional $925,000 during this fiscal year. It is listed as ‘Consulting Services,’ but will be used specifically for the digitalization initiative.

“These funds are being requested because, in the case of digitalization, it is long overdue and the sooner we can get it done, the better. We cannot wait until the next budget cycle.”

Request for additional $11.2 million for pensions: The Minister of State said other major items within the Ministry’s budget include a request for an additional $11.2 million for Pensions – we must take care of our retirees and that is not optional.

“With the increase in government pensions last budget cycle, along with additional retirements, not all of which occurred at the projected time, it was necessary to supplement this line item.”

She said as it can be seen, the vast majority of items are well within the projected amount. Of the additional funding being requested, over 90 per cent is attributable to pensions, rent and lease consolidations and digitalization.

The Minister of State said despite the unforeseen expenses throughout the year as the Ministry expedites its agenda, it is largely on target. And in the areas where it has reallocated or requested more funds, these expenditures are associated with essential functions and initiatives within the Ministry.

“We are achieving our re-imagination of the public service while maintaining fiscal discipline.”