A new position was recently created to oversee the ongoing Public Service Transformation Programme, government announced last week.
Kishann Cupid Brathwaite — who was appointed public service transformation manager effective March 1 — will oversee the management, execution, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programme, according to a May 24 press release from Government Information Services.
She will also provide support and guidance to ministries while working to ensure that the programme aligns with government objectives such as good governance, customer service, public administration, human resource management and digital transformation, GIS stated.
“Mrs. Cupid Brathwaite has been with the public service for many years,” said Deputy Governor David Archer Jr., adding, “In consequence, she has an in-depth understanding of how the service has traditionally functioned and can use her experience and qualifications to chart the way forward to its advancement in line with each ministry’s transformation goals.”
Experience
Ms. Cupid Brathwaite previously held the post of senior assistant human resources manager in the Office of the Deputy Governor, but her career as a public officer began in 1996 as a clerical trainee at the Ministry of Finance.
Since then, she has held positions including personal assistant to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development; counsellor in the Employee Assistance Programme; workforce development manager, and acting labour commissioner.
“My years of experience in human resources, management, workforce planning and development, and my qualifications in psychology will allow me to offer the best support and advice that I can give to heads of department and other public officers,” she said.
Ms. Cupid Braithwaite holds a Master of Science in mental health counselling from Nova Southeastern University in Florida; a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Florida International University; and a certificate in leadership from Caribbean Centre for Development Administration, according to GIS. She is also a court mediator certified by the University of the West Indies and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Programme origins
The origins of the Public Service Transformation Programme reach back to October 2017, when Cabinet approved a strategic direction for an improved public service following hurricanes Irma and Maria.
A model was subsequently developed that included eight broad initiatives: redesigning the public service, e-government, going green, private-sector collaboration, good governance, rebuilding security, alignment of statutory agencies, and customer service.
After a later review of the initiative, officials decided that it should be expanded into the Public Service Transformation Programme. A related framework was published 2019, and the programme officially launched in 2020. A “midterm review” was held last November, and the goals now extend at least into 2025.