New OPM portfolio not modeled after US’s DODGE – PM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the new portfolio of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation in his office should not be confused with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the United States. 

Senator Audrey Marks was on Sunday appointed as the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with responsibility for the new portfolio areas.

At a swearing-in ceremony for Marks and Senator Delano Seiveright, the new State Ministry in the Tourism Ministry on Monday, Holness emphasised that the new portfolio is designed to ensure that the bureaucracy serves the people, rather than hindering progress.

He said the layers of controls, checks and balances that helped the Government to cut wasteful spending have now created new challenges, which delay critical infrastructure projects and stifles economic growth.

"Minister Marks will have responsibility... for streamlining processes for efficiency and economic development. What's that acronym? SPEED... Not to be confused with DOGE," Holness pointed out. 

Since the announcement of the new portfolio for Marks, some social media users had been questioning whether the new ministerial portfolio will replicate DOGE led by billionaire businessman Elon Musk under the Donald Trump Administration.

As part of her role, Marks will undertake a comprehensive review of Jamaica's governance arrangements, systems, and processes. An advisory taskforce comprising public sector stakeholders will be appointed to support this effort.

She will also be tasked with implementing target reforms that eliminate inefficiencies, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance the speed of doing business locally.

Holness noted that this is not a new ministry, but rather a new focus within the OPM.

"This is something that is critical to relieve the pressure points (and) the pain points on citizens, but to also increase the pace of growth.

It is also a signal that the government is listening, that the government cares enough to restructure its own bureaucracy, its own operations, its own business processes to make life easier for the average citizen," Holness indicated.

He stressed that the regular review of bureaucracy is essential to prevent it from becoming large and unwieldy.

New OPM portfolio not modeled after US's DOGE - PM Holness 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the new portfolio of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation in his office should not be confused with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the United States. 

Senator Audrey Marks was on Sunday appointed as the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with responsibility for the new portfolio areas.

At a swearing-in ceremony for Marks and Senator Delano Seiveright, the new State Ministry in the Tourism Ministry on Monday, Holness emphasised that the new portfolio is designed to ensure that the bureaucracy serves the people, rather than hindering progress.

He said the layers of controls, checks and balances that helped the Government to cut wasteful spending have now created new challenges, which delay critical infrastructure projects and stifles economic growth.

"Minister Marks will have responsibility... for streamlining processes for efficiency and economic development. What's that acronym? SPEED... Not to be confused with DOGE," Holness pointed out. 

Since the announcement of the new portfolio for Marks, some social media users had been questioning whether the new ministerial portfolio will replicate DOGE led by billionaire businessman Elon Musk under the Donald Trump Administration.

As part of her role, Marks will undertake a comprehensive review of Jamaica's governance arrangements, systems, and processes. An advisory taskforce comprising public sector stakeholders will be appointed to support this effort.

She will also be tasked with implementing target reforms that eliminate inefficiencies, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance the speed of doing business locally.

Holness noted that this is not a new ministry, but rather a new focus within the OPM.

"This is something that is critical to relieve the pressure points (and) the pain points on citizens, but to also increase the pace of growth. It is also a signal that the government is listening, that the government cares enough to restructure its own bureaucracy, its own operations, its own business processes to make life easier for the average citizen," Holness indicated.

He stressed that the regular review of bureaucracy is essential to prevent it from becoming large and unwieldy.

"So it should not be looked upon as government attempt to pass blame or for some political purpose. No! 

"It is absolutely important that government continually reviews the public bureaucracy because, by nature, it is there to serve itself, and governments have to ensure that the bureaucracy serves the people," Holness declared.

"So it should not be looked upon as government attempt to pass blame or for some political purpose. No! 

"It is absolutely important that government continually reviews the public bureaucracy because, by nature, it is there to serve itself, and governments have to ensure that the bureaucracy serves the people," Holness declared.