PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica

10.0 Government of Jamaica Network Infrastructure (GOVNET)
GovNet is envisioned as a government-wide communications network for the seamless
transfer of information between government agencies and other stakeholders and for the
provision of on-line services to the public at minimal cost. It will facilitate the
harmonization of ICT infrastructure and systems across the Public Sector, thereby
strengthening the capacity of public institutions to deliver efficient and effective public
goods and services. Over time the mechanism will provide a suite of on-line services to
the public thus increasing the ease of doing business with Government. The objectives
are to:
1. reduce overall telecommunication costs for the GOJ
2. improve secure communications
3. reduce the transaction costs associated with the provision of public services and
information.
11.0 User Fees
The true cost of providing a service with requisite outputs and outcomes must be
considered in the treatment of user fees. The current situation does not provide for
recovery of total costs, since both those who can afford to pay for a service and the poor
and vulnerable are subject to paying the same fees that bear no resemblance to the true
costs of production. This, therefore, impacts on the cost to government which results in
substandard services in some entities and highly subsidized fees that impact on other
areas of operation for the respective entities.
A general policy must be stated regarding the true cost of services that include the
production of an item, for example birth certificates and passports. A realistic cost
should be arrived at based on the real cost of production and a policy be instituted on how
to treat with those persons who cannot afford the true cost. In this case, a notional fee
could be considered and the criteria that would provide for such persons should be clearly
delineated and adhered to as a rule.
12.0 Other Cost-Saving Initiatives
12.1 Accommodation for government offices
There should be consolidation of GOJ offices at the parish level where possible to a
central location. This is consistent with the principle of the ease of doing business
applied to government. It would also include urgent implementation in all instances,
where possible, of the “one stop shop” concept.
12.2 Space rationalization
The issue of Government Ministries and Agencies occupying expensive rental space in
the New Kingston area continues to be a major source of concern. An island-wide survey
of all government offices, indicating location, available space and the cost of repairs and
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