THE RECENT legislative changes giving the Financial Secretary, Shirley Tyndall, greater autonomy over hiring and firing of tax officials, should have positive spin-offs for the economy.
For one thing the Financial Secretary will now have direct control over the hiring and firing of staff who fall under the ambit of the Tax Administration Department - a power usually exercised by the Public Services Commission. Giving the Financial Secretary who has direct responsibility for the department, more autonomy over Human Resource Management policies should facilitate greater accountability and improved efficiency in the provision of services.
Second, by having a central Human Resources Committee responsible for implementing the management of human resources, there is likely to be a greater focus on designing appropriate recruitment, promotion, compensation and dismissal policies. This focus on appropriate Human Resource strategies should foster the development of a cadre of skilled personnel and overall improved productivity.
The new measure that forms part of the ongoing public sector reform policy, should therefore foster a more competitive, efficient public sector. Of course, it is no coincidence that this change is taking place in the Tax Administration Services Department at this time. Government is obviously placing great store on this arm of the public sector to deliver the goods. This is especially so as the Finance Ministry recently admitted that revenue was running some 10 per cent less than was programmed.
It should also be noted that when one combines the new legislative changes regarding the tax department with the definite attempt by the Prime Minister to give his Junior Ministers clear areas of responsibility, we could be seeing a period of greater public accountability and a focus on improved systems of governance.
Were this to occur, it would provide the kind of fillip that the economy needs as we face the challenges that are likely to be reinforced by a lagging US economy, and a generally hostile world economy, with a possible war in the Middle East.
We should continue to press for public sector reform and constantly review our systems to see where they need improvement. This is one area where we should be able to achieve national consensus.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
