Financial analysts warn against public sector cuts

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

Financial analysts are warning the Government against cutting the size of the public sector.

Speaking at an Economic Forum at the Mona School of Business last evening, Dennis Chung said addressing the inefficiency in the sector must be paramount before any decision is taken to cut jobs.

He said among the fiscal policy options that the country now need is the rationalisation of public sector functions.

Meanwhile, lecturer of International Business in the Department of Management at the University of the West Indies, Dr Densil Williams says there needs to be serious deliberation on the issue of downsizing the public sector.

According to him, there is still uncertainty as to whether the number of workers in the public sector is the amount that is needed to get the job done.

Like Chung, Dr Williams believes that it’s not about reducing numbers but about creating a more efficient and effective public service.

He says the efficiency of the service will determine the number of persons that is needed to carry out the functions of the Government.

Dr Williams has proposed that the Government consider implementing a central procurement system for public bodies as part of measures to downsize the public sector.