The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) continues to champion the integration of AI-driven solutions within the public sector to enhance productivity. By automating processes, unlocking valuable insights, and streamlining tasks, these technologies enable the Public Sector to achieve more—better, faster, and with greater precision.

Building on the momentum of its successful Productivity Awareness Week 2024, held under the theme “The AI Effect: Using Innovation to Reshape Productivity and Enhance Competitiveness,” the NCPC is advancing its efforts to promote transformative innovation.

One notable initiative is Info Cloudsuite, an AI-powered platform introduced by the Government of Saint Lucia through the Department of Finance. This cutting-edge system is set to revolutionize the management of Human Resources, Budgeting, and Finance functions across government operations. Shantal Ottley, Director of Human Resource Management at the Department of the Public Service, said the new Human Capital Management module will revolutionize the delivery of HR services in the public sector.

"We’ve done some preliminary analysis and recognize that this system will allow us to automate approximately 50 HR processes at the Department of the Public Service. This means we’ll be able to complete functions more efficiently, allowing HROs to focus on the softer side of human resource management.”

Public officers in HR, Budget, and Finance are receiving ongoing training in the three core modules of Info Cloudsuite. Budget Director, Fiona Hinkson, highlighted the anticipated productivity gains from this new system.

"In the Budget Office, we’re looking forward to the rollout of this system, as it will enable Budget Analysts to conduct higher-quality analysis. Moving away from a paper-based system will allow us to improve efficiencies, collaborate better with accountants to ensure expenditures are accurately recorded, and prepare budgets on time. Ultimately, this will help us meet deadlines, including submitting the budget to Parliament for approval.”

Deputy Budget Director, Swithin Donelly, emphasized the platform’s interoperability, noting its ability to improve government’s data integrity while streamlining key processes. He also highlighted that Saint Lucia is one of the first countries in the region to implement such a system.

"At the start of the budgeting process, funds must align seamlessly with the system's modules. The Questica Budgeting System will utilize the HCM module to verify government employees’ promotions and allocate the necessary funds. If an employee is transferred to another department, the HCM will manage this transition. This interoperability ensures accurate information, proper budgeting, and synchronized reporting across departments, with all modules working in tandem.”

The Department of Finance is committed to making productivity gains through the integration of AI-powered solutions and strategies, as well as upskilling public officers to stay abreast with technological advancements.