Acting Press Secretary Maurice Merchant (Photo by state media)
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.
When yall finish say the government is not working. This is a government with a vision and whether you like de little rastaman gaston or not, facts is facts. He is leaving a legacy behind.
Well about time. The standard is okay in one sectors and drops significantly in the others. So a standardized approach is definitely needed.
Now they want to modernize communication. After decades of poor management and ignoring inefficiencies? This government reacts when they should have planned years ago.
Honestly, this should’ve been done ages ago. It’s 2025—why are departments still relying on paper memos and unanswered emails?
Make communication mandatory? Oh please.. bug chupppps
Just a way for Gaston to listen in on yall conversations. Especially those where you ministers are bad talking him with other people. He knows without even having to listen. Guess he wants evidencessssssssssss