THE PPP/C administration is embarking on a process aimed at the modernisation of government service. This is consistent with an overarching goal of moving in the direction of e-governance.

Simply put, e-governance is the use of technological communication devices such as computers and the Internet to provide public services to citizens in a country or region.

The overall objective is to create a new, dynamic relationship between governments and citizens, a process that is both simpler and user-friendly.

What is envisaged by President Ali is a digital public service which will allow for effective service delivery, greater transparency and accountability through free information flow.

Only recently, two projects were commissioned by President Ali which when completed will allow for an enhanced and more effective delivery of critical public services.

This point was emphasised by President Ali during the sod-turning ceremony of the new state-of-the-art hospital at New Amsterdam. The hospital being built at a whopping sum of US$161 M will provide world-class medical services which according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony ‘ is a manifestation of the President’s vision for Region Six to have a Level Five facility.’

The integrated architecture for public service delivery was also evident from the construction of a US$28 M 12-storey edifice which will replace the previous wooden structure on Brickdam. The new and imposing structure when completed will see the relocation of many services from the Eve Leary headquarters and elsewhere.

These are indeed forward-looking developments which will bring much relief to members of the public who sometimes have to traverse several agencies and departments to have their transactions completed. This can be both time-consuming and cumbersome.

According to President Ali, ‘digitalisation, automaton, infrastructure service and people are at the forefront of what we are doing in building the future today.’ The President also underscored the importance of a holistic, integrated and synergistic approach to crime fighting.

All of these developments are not done in isolation, but are part of a much bigger service- delivery architecture which will see not only an integrated and synergistic delivery of public services, but also a consolidation of government agencies and departments.

We live in what is known as the technological age and it is therefore imperative that we take full advantage of technological advances to make our lives easier and simpler, as indeed the PPP/C administration is in the process of doing.