Press Release: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, (Wednesday February 2nd, 2022) In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), co-hosted a Public Sector Leadership for Digital Transformation Workshop targeting Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries on Monday 31st January 2022 at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad.
This event was the first of its kind since the launch of the government’s Digital Transformation mandate for the country. Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Keith Christopher Rowley in his opening remarks at the event emphasized his vision for the country, and more so the Public Service, as the nation pushes the digital transformation agenda forward. He stated,
“my vision of a transformed Trinidad and Tobago is a country in which our citizens are overwhelmingly pleased with the scope, quality, and delivery of public services. A Trinidad and Tobago in which services are delivered to our citizens at their point of need and in a timely manner. A Trinidad and Tobago in which the opportunity to serve our national community is embraced as a career of choice, honour and privilege.”
Vice President for Countries, IDB’s Richard Martinez, speaking at the event also stated that,
“We are ready and willing to work with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to meet its digital transformation goals and to bring many projects to reality within the next few years. The discussions today will help lay the groundwork for tackling these issues – how to create and communicate a digital vision for your agency, how to craft an effective change management plan and adjust it with agility, and perhaps most importantly, how to get the right people in your organizations to buy in and embrace the challenges.”
Carina Cockburn, IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, in closing the workshop explained why the IDB continues to enthusiastically engage with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on this issue, which is closely aligned with the Bank’s own strategic objectives. She noted the IDB’s ongoing support for change efforts led by the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. She also highlighted the importance of the role of public service leaders in driving the digital transition as Champions of digital transformation.
Keynote speaker Clyde Seepersad also emphasized to the Permanent Secretaries at the workshop that “they are Problem Solvers, and it is also their role to champion the digital transformation progress through their various Ministries, through relentless optimism and focusing on the prize.” This workshop is the first of a series to be held with key stakeholders in the public service with the primary objective of supporting delivery of the digital transformation mandate by enhancing leadership skills and competencies such as decision-making, change management, empathy and conflict resolution.
For further information about the IDB digital transformation initiatives in Trinidad and Tobago contact the Bank at IDBtrinidad@iadb.org.
