The Bahamas Electronic Cabinet Management Information System (BECMIS) was officially launched at Cabinet Office, as an integral part of the overall digital transformation strategy of The Government of The Bahamas.
The system was designed and implemented to improve business processes and operating procedures in the Cabinet Office, Minister of State for Finance and for Grand Bahama Sen. the Hon. J. Kwasi Thompson stated during a press conference during the launch.
“As a perfect example of the overall Digital Transformation Initiative, the Cabinet Meeting procedures were reviewed, analyzed and re-designed to reflect modern practices and standards for the benefit of all Government agencies and the country, in general.”
Senator Thompson explained that BECMIS or E-Cabinet boasts a myriad of important features inclusive of the ability to:
▪ Automate cabinet proceedings for The Bahamas. Cabinet Memoranda, Immigration Papers and papers from the National Economic Council, conclusions and extracts will now be automated.
▪ Save time, increasing efficiency with cabinet approval processes.
▪ Reduce our carbon footprint, eliminating the use of paper by allowing for online approvals and e-distribution of cabinet documents.
▪ Enable tracking and increase transparency. The system tracks cabinet memoranda, and provides live updates about access to the system and who and when information was received and distributed.
The State Minister stated that the BECMIS or E-Cabinet is an innovative system that streamlined the managerial operations of the Cabinet Office and simplified internal procedures required for approval decisions. This system was customized specifically for the specific needs of The Cabinet and the Cabinet Office.
“Permanent Secretaries will submit on-line, Ministers will sign on-line and Memoranda will be disseminated digitally making the delivery of bundles of paper unnecessary.”
He explained that BECMIS is a collaborative tool for communication between key stakeholders and authorized users 24/7/ 365 days of the year.
“Ministers will be able to comment on the Memoranda prior to the meetings advancing their queries, opinions or support whether or not they are in country, saving time during the actual meeting. Issues may be addressed and Memoranda amended prior to the meeting and submission to the Prime Minister.”
Senator Thompson stated that protection of sensitive data remains a priority for the Government of The Bahamas. “To this end, you will appreciate that stringent security measures are in place and that the advanced security features are consistent with industry quality standards.”
He noted that BECMIS also has the added convenience of providing mobile accessibility for The Prime Minister, Ministers, the Secretary to the Cabinet, Permanent Secretaries, and other authorized users to allow access and continuation of work regardless of location and time. This application is available on Android and Apple devices. “I was able to review and approve a Cabinet paper using my phone.”
Senator Thompson stated that at the conclusion of meetings, conclusions and extracts will be disseminated more quickly as there will be a component to assist the Note Takers. Ministers will only require I-Pads, cellular phones or laptops for their attendance and participation in Cabinet meetings.
He said all users will be given priority levels for security reasons and all uses will be time-stamped. The Cabinet Office, therefore, will have more time to monitor the implementation of Cabinet decisions.
