00:00We cannot deliver 21st century services using 20th century tools.
00:08The decoration by Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Basasa at the ceremony in recognition of the appointment of the new head of the public service, Natasha Barrow,
00:17who spoke of the planned transformation of the public service from institution to data-informed decision-making.
00:23We must fully leverage available technology, not as an add-on, but as a core enabler of efficiency, transparency and accountability,
00:33while building the capacity and the capability to manage the risks that come with its use.
00:40Improved functioning also requires renewed attention to people.
00:45A modern public service depends on continuous learning, skills development and leadership at all levels.
00:51In offering congratulations to Ms. Barrow, Prime Minister Passat-Basasa identified key challenges with public service delivery in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:01Resistance to technology, weak risk management and a culture of excuses continue to delay innovation and slow decision-making.
01:12Our citizens expect outcomes, not too many explanations. They want the outcomes.
01:19The Prime Minister then made a direct reference to artificial intelligence, also known as AI.
01:24As we speak now, our Minister of Public Admin is in the UAE.
01:30He's working together with officials there to try to bring to us in Trinidad and Tobago
01:36the technology that we need to further modernize the public service.
01:42So Mr. Dominic is working on that for us, to bring in full AI, full technology to help you,
01:49because I know none of us want to go to work and feel that we are not working well.
01:53The government has sort of addressed concerns that the implementation of AI could have on jobs in the public service.
02:00We go to work. We want to do well. But you must have the tools in order to do better.
02:07I'm not saying you're not doing well, but of course there is always room for improvement.
02:12That is why my minister now is together in UAE with our minister, Sean Sobers,
02:16to help us find the tools to bring our public service, you know, into this modern age.
02:23Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence Minister Dominic Smith is part of a delegation
02:28being led by Foreign and Carcom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers at the Association of Caribbean States Forum
02:35at the World Government Summit in Dubai in the UAE, the United Arab Emirates.
02:41Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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