The government has launched a wide-ranging initiative to reform and professionalize the public sector, with a designated team preparing an outcome document to guide improvements across departments.

Meetings began last week with Cabinet and continued this week with Permanent Secretaries, department heads, and union representatives. Key issues under review include inefficiencies, worker accountability, and union relations.

A major focus was the urgent need to address training gaps. Plans are underway to establish an active training division that will develop accredited courses aimed at boosting efficiency and career advancement.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that promotions must be based on merit and performance rather than tenure, to ensure that competent individuals lead the service. He also urged senior officials to become well-versed in the Procurement Administration Act and other relevant legislation.

Training for Permanent Secretaries and senior personnel will take place at the UWI Five Islands Campus, in partnership with Harvard’s Core Curriculum on public leadership. Officials will also participate in UWI’s AI Annual Research Conference on June 23–24, with government covering registration costs. To maintain momentum, a group of senior officials will attend next week’s Cabinet meeting to continue the discussions.