Treasury is deploying accounting officers from the government’s department into key ministries. This step aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and payment processing across the public sector.

The move comes after repeated complaints about payment delays and administrative bottlenecks. Consequently, the government decided to act.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant explained that the initiative targets long-standing concerns with financial transactions. He said, “People have been complaining… that they went to the Treasury, and there is nothing there, no payment.”

He added that delays often start at the ministry level. When ministries submit paperwork late, the Treasury cannot process payments on time. Therefore, improving ministry workflows is critical.

Under the new pilot program, accounting officers will be assigned to three ministries: Public Works, Creative Industries, and National Security. This assignment will strengthen financial oversight and improve real-time expenditure monitoring.

Merchant said the officers will also help modernize internal systems. Additionally, they will advise ministries on better financial operations. “One of the remits is to strengthen the financial capability of these departments,” he explained. “If staffing increases are needed, recommendations will be made.”

The pilot program begins in the second quarter of the year. Meanwhile, Cabinet will receive regular updates before any wider rollout.

The reform is part of a broader Treasury restructuring. It aims to address inefficiencies and improve public service delivery. Merchant emphasized that proper planning and follow-through are essential. “If departments have a clear plan with the Treasury, most problems can be solved,” he said.

Officials expect the initiative to streamline payments. Consequently, delays affecting public servants and service providers should reduce. In short, the government hopes the program will make financial processes faster, clearer, and more accountable.