Bahamas News
Seminars Conducted on Centre of Government Approach in Strengthening Delivery of Public Services
#Bahamas, September 22, 2017 – Nassau – The Ministry of Finance hosted seminars on its Public Financial Management and Performance Monitoring Reform (PFM/PMR) Project, September 18 to 20, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton, under the title, ‘Strengthening the Delivery of Public Services Using a Centre of Government Approach.’ Parliamentarians, senior public servants, as well as academia, civil society, and businesspersons participated.
The aim of the PFM/PMR Project is to strengthen management capacity of the public sector to monitor priority projects and programs more efficiently and effectively, thereby reducing waste and increasing value for money in public spending.
Sir Michael Barber, former UK Blair Administration Inaugural Head of the first developed Delivery Unit, presented the seminar topics. Sir Michael is currently a leading global advisor on Delivery Management and Centre of Government Approach.
At the private sector seminar, Sir Michael Barber noted that ‘delivery’ amounts to meeting the political needs of voters and taking measures through performance monitoring to track progress and authenticity. He gave UK examples from the Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair administrations on how they strengthened the management capacity of their public sectors to monitor efficiency of priority projects effectively.
“One of the major contributing factors to inefficiency in project spending is the lack of centralized infrastructure for decision making, planning and monitoring across national ministries, departments and agencies,” said Sir Michael.
“Several other developed countries, including the United Kingdom have adopted a ‘Centre of Government’ approach that revolves around a unit, often located in the Office of the Prime Minister, which provides planning, support and monitoring for these priority projects, to ensure their successful completion.”
As the Inaugural Head of the Delivery Unit, developed under the United Kingdom’s Blair Administration, Sir Michael was a key figure in development of the concept of ‘Deliverology,’ which has become “a results-oriented paradigm, for managing these key projects.”
And as a current leading global advisor on Delivery Management/Centre of Government Approach, he teaches methodologies that save public resources — protecting public resources by reducing waste, and increasing monetary value in public expenditure.
While in The Bahamas, Sir Michael met with the Prime Minister, parliamentarians and senior civil servants along with those stakeholders of academia, civil society and the private sector. He proposed they associate expected outcomes and benefits with the model application of delivery management.
Sir Michael contends the meetings increase awareness and acceptance for “the Centre of Government Approach and the Delivery Unit Model that has demonstrated performance improvements.
“It is expected that through this seminar series, leaders in government from both the administrative and executive branches will have the requisite background to make an informed decision on the value of such systems to the Bahamian context,” said Sir Michael.
By: Gena Gibbs (BIS)
Photo Caption:
Sir Michael Barber, Head of the first Delivery Unit developed under the Blair Administration of the United Kingdom and current leading global advisor on Delivery Management and Centre of Government Approach led seminars for Parliamentarians, senior public servants, and private sector stakeholders on increasing value for money in public spending, September 18 to 20, 2017 at the British Colonial Hilton. (BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)
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Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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