Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. has said that through the engagement of the public and the private sector, the Government of the Virgin Islands will develop improved services that will contribute to a vibrant and sustainable economy.

Mr. Archer Jr. said, “We cannot do business as usual, it is imperative that we reshape the way the Government does business and engage our stakeholders during the developmental process of Government policies, programmes and initiatives.”

He added that Public Service Transformation is about the ability to allow engagement regarding service between the Government and the people it serves.

Mr. Archer Jr. said, “One of such partnerships is being cemented today, with the soft launch of the Work Permit Prototype-Online System with 32 cross-sectoral companies registered in the Virgin Islands are being invited to participate in developing the system.”

The Work Permit Prototype-Online System is one of the many Transformation initiatives being executed by the Government. Other projects include the BVI Open for Business Online Map, Development of the online portal to receive applications for seafarers documents, Upgraded J.D. Edwards Accounting System, centralisation of Apostile Services and Greening the Public service through the implementation of DOCOVA, an electronic records management system.

While speaking on one of the many transformation successes, Mr. Archer Jr. said, “We have had great success with collaborating with the public in the past with the launch of the Customer Service Virtual Mailbox, a tool used to recognise exceptional customer service.”

He said that as a result of the public’s contribution to improving the Government’s customer service offerings, deserving public officers have been recognised for their outstanding service. This, he added, has significantly improved employee morale and enhanced customer service offerings in the pilot departments.

 “We are in the process of launching the second phase of this programme which will include induction of other departments. The goal is to hold all Government departments and officers accountable to this system,” the Deputy Governor further added.

Public Service Transformation has eight board areas namely Public/Private Sector Engagement, Digital Transformation, Rebuilding Security, Greening the Public Service, Redesign of the Public Service, Good Governance, Improved Customer Service and Alignment of the Statutory Agencies.

The initiative is being led by the PST Steering Committee championed by the Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. Other committee members are Mrs. Alicia Green, Mr. Kedrick Malone, Ms. Kedimone Rubaine, Ms. Shavon Henley-Hodge supported by Mrs. Felicia Linch who serves as the Lead Advisor and Programme Manager.

Public Service Transformation is a programme that supports the Government’s policy and change agenda, including Recovery and Development. The ownership of the transformation projects falls with the ministry responsible for the subject.

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• Official Photo of the Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer Jr.