Government to make upgrades in Communication Technology mandatory across all Departments

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will be compelling workers across government departments to upgrade their communication techniques with the use of the latest technology.

Director General of Communications, Maurice Merchant, spoke about the issue at the Cabinet Press Briefing this morning.

“One of the major challenges for Government functioning is communication,” Merchant said. “Communication is not effect – in some cases it’s non existent.”

Mr. Merchant went on to elaborate on the current challenges that are to be addressed, in light of the Cabinet’s meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Government Heads of Department, and Union Representatives. Some of the invitees voiced their frustration at the current status quo.

“The Permanent Secretaries – some of them spoke about lack of response to communications within the public service, among themselves, from departments to departments”, stated Merchant. “So therefore that’s a challenge that must be overcome, in order for the system to work; in order for government to function effectively.

He went as far as to say that beyond mere encouragement, the practice of using innovative means to communicate will become a government mandate.

“Yes you can say it’s going to be mandatory for government departments to develop their resources in line with the latest trends and utilizing them in completing their tasks”, Merchant explained.

With government inefficiency currently being a hot topic in the aftermath of the recent teacher’s strike, the government continues to dialogue with all stakeholders, to make real strides towards permanent solutions.