Minister urges Bahamians to register for online access
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The goal of the government is to provide 200 services online in five years as it continues its digitization initiative, according to Minister of State for Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister on Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson.
During a recent Think Beyond webinar hosted by Cable Bahamas, Thompson stated that progress to that end has been made, citing as a primary example the pilot rollout of several key services through the central online portal MyPilotServices.gov.bs.
Thompson discussed progress on the government’s $30 million digitization initiative funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and geared at making it easier for residents and businesses to do business in The Bahamas.
The multi-year investment is allowing the government to digitize its services, strengthen cybersecurity and improve and increase the use of ICT in the public service.
Modeled after the Estonian online platform, the pilot MyServices online gateway allows many services to be requested from a single portal via an interoperability platform referred to as The Great Bahama Bank, which enables digital inter-agency connection.
Thompson said: “We wanted to have one single platform that allows citizens to access our services in one location. This platform enables users to register, complete the verification process and access all services online.”
Over 4,000 Bahamians are registered on MyPilotServices.gov.bs to date and have access to high-demand services, including requesting police character references, renewing e-passports, renewing a driver’s license or a firearm license and requesting certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates.
In addition to increasing the accessibility to and ease of obtaining government services, use of the portal has also resulted in a reduction of lines at government agencies.
Thompson continued: “Digitization can present opportunities for economic improvement and sustainable growth. Putting government services online is just the beginning of the government’s digital transformation journey.
“We know that that is an ambitious goal, but we believe it is one that it is achievable.”
Cable Bahamas’ Think Beyond webinar explored the impact of digital transformation on the public and private sectors.
Participants included Thompson; Franklyn Butler, CEO and executive vice chairman, Cable Bahamas Group of Companies; Damian Blackburn, chief Aliv officer; and Charnette Thompson, vice president of innovation, Cable Bahamas.
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