Minister Melford Nicholas recently shared insights into the inefficiencies within the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, attributing them to bureaucratic “rules of engagement” such as excessive paperwork, inspections, and document confirmations. He explained that this paper-driven process often results in lost progress due to the difficulty of tracking where tasks stand.

Reflecting on his transition from the private sector to government in 2014, Nicholas noted the outdated methods of communication, including lengthy letter forms and minutes circulated among government officials. He described these as holdovers from an older system that he sought to modernize.

Nicholas introduced an electronic messaging platform to streamline communication and document sharing across government departments. While the initiative faced resistance, with many ministers and permanent secretaries slow to adopt the new technology, it ultimately aimed to improve collaboration and efficiency within the public service.

This commentary, following the recent teacher’s strike and shake-up in the Ministry of Education, highlights the challenges governments face in modernizing and improving public service efficiency.