-Minister Ally highlights reforms on UN Public Service Day
MINISTER for the Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, has said that the Government of Guyana is continuing efforts to transform the delivery of public services through digital systems, institutional reforms, and through investments in public servants.
In a video message marking United Nations Public Service Day, Ally said the government’s modernisation agenda is aligned with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision for a Digital Guyana and aims to create institutions that are more efficient, responsive, and accessible to citizens.
“This year’s theme, transforming public institutions, advancing innovation, participation and inclusion, is a timely reflection of the transformation Guyana’s public service is currently undergoing across the public sector,” the minister said.
According to Ally, public service extends beyond employment and represents a commitment to national development and serving citizens across every region and community in Guyana.
He noted that while many public servants work behind the scenes, their contributions support the functioning of the country and help to maintain essential services.
“Public servants are the bridge between government and our people,” Ally stated.
He indicated that their efforts ensure children receive education, patients access healthcare services, businesses obtain services, and vulnerable citizens receive necessary support.
The minister said the administration recognises that strong institutions and capable public servants are essential components of development and have guided recent investments in public-sector modernisation.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the government’s focus on upskilling public servants through scholarship opportunities and online learning programmes.
Against this backdrop, he noted that the GOAL scholarships have been made readily accessible to public servants, while collaborations with online learning platform Coursera are allowing workers to pursue professional development at their own pace.
He encouraged public servants to take advantage of the opportunities being offered.
The minister also pointed to ongoing efforts aimed at improving working conditions, modernising administrative systems and creating pathways for greater efficiency and accountability.
Central to those efforts, he said, is digital transformation.
“Technology is reshaping how governments around the world operate, and Guyana is embracing this change,” Ally stated.
He went on to add that digital systems are helping to reduce paperwork, improve record management, increase transparency, and make government services more accessible.
As part of this process, Ally spoke of the introduction of GovConnect, a digital appointment system intended to allow citizens to schedule visits to government offices in advance. This initiative is expected to reduce lengthy waiting times and improve convenience for citizens seeking services.
However, he emphasised that digital transformation goes beyond introducing technology and involves changing the overall culture of service delivery.
He said the aim is to ensure citizens spend less time navigating bureaucracy, while public servants are equipped with the tools needed to perform their duties more effectively.
The minister further stressed that innovation should not be limited to technological solutions.
“Innovation also means finding new solutions to long-standing challenges. It means encouraging creativity, embracing continuous improvement, and fostering a culture where public servants feel empowered to identify opportunities for better service delivery,” he said.
The minister went on to speak on the importance of inclusion, noting that public services must remain accessible to citizens regardless of location, age, disability, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
Efforts to modernise institutions must ensure that no one is left behind and that digital transformation is accompanied by measures that improve digital literacy and connectivity.
Further to this, he indicated that the government is advancing a broad programme of institutional reforms that includes modernisation of Public Service rules, strengthening human-resource management systems, improving records management, and streamlining administrative processes.
“These reforms are aimed at creating a Public Service that is more agile, responsive and equipped to meet the evolving needs of our citizens and our rapidly developing economy,” Ally stated.
