Barbados’ first prime minister and National Hero Errol Walton Barrow famously referred to the island’s public service as “an army of occupation”.It was not a term of endearment but symbolic of the frustration in seeking to properly manage the tens of thousands of people employed by the state.In 2022, we must consider whether Barbados’ public sector has become too big, too entrenched with outdated structures and rules, and too fragmented to undertake its functions in an efficient, cost effective way.Revelations from the most recent issue of the Auditor General’s report highlights some examples of dysfunction in the operations of our public service.Some of the Auditor General’s complaints reflected systemic issues, some are failure to adhere to established procedures, an absence of enforcement of the rules, as well as systems that are not fit for purpose. In some instances, there is just plain neglect of duty and attempts to abuse the system for personal gain.
Government is addressing the long waiting periods by Barbadians to obtain their shipments after they have landed in the country.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, highlighted the reforms implemented over the past four years,
The Barbados Customs and Excise Department has taken steps to reduce the huge backlog of packages. Following the opening ceremony of the 44th annual Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council at the Hilton Barbados, Needham’s Point, St Michael yesterday, Comptroller of Customs Owen Holder said they had taken a multi-pronged approach to address the long-standing issue. “We’ve targeted those large importers and couriers to ensure we have that stock level reduced. …
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, is urging 40 participants of the Get Hired Programme to be exemplary and use their talents to impress their future employers. “I want you to embrace this. I implore you to adopt tunnel vision, in terms of how you treat to your work. Tunnel vision, you put blinkers on, left and right, you’re not distracted by what is happening on the …