Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC),  Delano Seiveright, has encouraged the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) to build on its ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency and deliver an increasingly seamless experience for customers and businesses.

Seiveright made the call Monday while addressing the BSJ Annual Corporate Planning Retreat at the S Hotel Kingston, held under the theme, “Excellence in Action: Breaking Down the Silos Like the Walls of Jericho.”

He said the theme speaks to the importance of collaboration and integration across organisations, particularly as Government continues its work to make public services more responsive, efficient and accessible to citizens and businesses.

“Excellence is what people experience. As we continue to break down silos, strengthen collaboration and improve efficiency, we must always keep the customer experience at the centre of what we do,” Seiveright said.

He noted that this approach is consistent with Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness’ emphasis on improving the efficiency of public administration and creating an environment that facilitates business while respecting the time and resources of investors and entrepreneurs.

Seiveright also acknowledged the work of Minister of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ambassador  Audrey Marks, who is leading the Government’s Streamlining Processes for Efficiency and Economic Development (SPEED) agenda and wider efforts to reduce bureaucracy, digitise services and improve integration across Government.

“The direction from the Prime Minister is clear, and Minister Marks is driving important work across Government. We have to translate that mission into what people and businesses actually experience when they interact with public bodies,” Seiveright said.

Hewent on to add that the same focus is strongly supported within MIIC by Minister Senator the Hon. Aubyn

Hill, who has positioned the Ministry as “Jamaica’s Business Ministry”, with an emphasis on facilitating enterprise and making Jamaica easier to do business.

Seiveright said greater collaboration across divisions and agencies can help to create a more seamless experience for customers, while also strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

“The public does not care about our organisational charts. Businesses do not care which department owns which part of a process. They want to know: Can I get it done? How long will it take? And who is accountable?”

Turning specifically to the BSJ, Seiveright recognised the Standards Council, Executive Director

Dr. Velton Gooden, management and staff for their work, while encouraging continued progress towards a “One BSJ” approach through strong cross-divisional collaboration.

“We need to continue strengthening collaboration, improving communication, making smart use of technology and looking for opportunities to make processes more seamless for the people and businesses we serve,” he said.

Seiveright, who chairs the National Quality Council, said the BSJ’s continued focus on excellence should be reflected in tangible outcomes, including efficient service delivery, customer satisfaction and timely resolution of matters.

He encouraged the agency to use the discussions and ideas emerging from the retreat as a platform for continued improvement and innovation across the organisation.

“Breaking down silos is about bringing people and functions together around a common purpose.

It is about working as one organisation, finding better ways to serve and ensuring that excellence is reflected in the experience of every customer,” Seiveright said.