The government is reviving its stalled initiative to improve productivity across the public service, directing permanent secretaries and department heads to refocus on performance and workplace standards after momentum slowed in recent months.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday that Cabinet wants the issue moved back to the “top of the agenda,” noting that earlier efforts to strengthen accountability and consistency in the public sector had “fallen off the radar somewhat.”
Merchant said some improvements have been observed within ministries, but Cabinet believes departments must intensify their focus as the government continues a broader review of efficiency, service delivery and workplace conditions.
The renewed emphasis comes as the Ministry of Works carries out major assessments of more than 400 government buildings—inspections linked to health, ventilation and productivity concerns affecting employees.
According to Merchant, the push for higher productivity is expected to gain traction in the coming weeks, with further developments to be announced as Cabinet revisits earlier reform proposals.
The effort forms part of a wider administrative agenda that includes modernizing building standards, addressing ventilation problems in government offices and ensuring employees have safe, functional work environments.
