Mandatory training for public servants and the implementation of a digital management system are among major reforms that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across the Public Service, according to Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally.
Speaking on Beyond the Title on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister Ally outlined the administration’s plan to transform the way public services are delivered to citizens, in keeping with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of achieving first-world service standards.
The minister explained that the government has listened to concerns raised by citizens during the recent election campaign, including difficulties accessing services during lunch hours and the lack of online tracking for applications such as licences.
“Those are all very realistic expectations from people; we have to change and we have the capacity to change it,” Minister Ally stated.
He emphasised that the upcoming changes will not displace workers but instead empower them.
“The change that we are bringing is one where we will make the system more transparent, we will make everyone more efficient in what they do, and we are going to upskill everyone to ensure that they are in touch with the modern world,” he said, adding that new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools will be adopted to make public service delivery more effective.
As part of the transformation, public servants will soon have access to their employment records through an integrated online portal. The ministry will also implement a tracking system to monitor participation in training programmes, ensuring that no employee is left behind.
Minister Ally stressed that the new system will replace personal discretion in promotions with merit-based criteria that focus on employees’ work records, training, and punctuality rather than personal preferences or favouritism.
“Our goal is to remove bias and create a culture of accountability and fairness,” he said.
Additionally, the ministry’s implementation arm will monitor major government projects to ensure compliance, timely execution, and accountability.
“We can’t start projects and just allow them to go with the normal speed of things. You have to ensure that people are doing their work—engineers, consultants, everyone working in the interest of the Government of Guyana,” Minister Ally emphasised.
He noted that the overarching objective is to move Guyana into a fully digital era where all citizens can access government services from the comfort of their homes.
“Every young boy, every young girl, every citizen must be able to enjoy government services—whether on their phone, iPad, or computer—and they must not feel that government services are burdensome,” the minister said.
(Extracted and Modified from DPI)