Government's public-sector transformation still in limbo

More than one year after it signalled its intent to restructure the public sector, the Government is yet to determine how this will impact on its Budget.

Minister with responsibility for information, Daryl Vaz, was yesterday unable to provide journalists with any update as to how and when the Government will begin to implement the changes recommended by the new Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU).

According to Vaz, while the implementation of the recommendations of the PSTU will have an impact on the Government's spending plan for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the full effect is yet to be determined.

Vaz admitted that the long-speculated Cabinet reshuffle could be determined by the Government's decision on the PSTU recommendations.

The PSTU, which was established by Prime Minister Bruce Golding in 2009 to lead, monitor, evaluate and facilitate the implementation of the restructuring of the public sector for efficient, effective and economical growth, has been meeting to develop the strategic plan for implementation.

Not taken on board

At that time, Golding told the country that the recommendations of the PSTU would impact on the Budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

But with the unit not done with its work last March when the Budget for the current fiscal year was announced, the recommendations of the PSTU were not taken on board.

The PSTU has already submitted a Green Paper with several far-reaching and controversial proposals.

Among the changes recommended by the PSTU is a reduction in the vacation leave given to civil servants.

It has also recommended the closure of several government agencies and the merger of others.

The Cabinet is slated to go into retreat shortly to finalise the revenue and expenditure plan for the new fiscal year.