The Digital Transformation Unit of the Ministry of Economic Affairs held an award presentation ceremony to recognize participants of the 'Digi Innovative Projects' grant programme, funded by the IDB. In attendance were: Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis; Permanent Secretary, Prenell King; National Coordinator of Information Technology/Programme Manager, DTU, Patrick Davis; Permanent Secretary, DRM, Marcellus Taylor; Country Representative, IDB, Shirley Gayle; Director of Information Communication Technology, Charlene Laing; Executive Director, SBDC, Samantha Rolle; and Assistant Credit Manager, BDB, Alicia Butler. (BIS Photos/Mark Ford)
NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Through partnership with the Ministry of Finance (via its Digital Transformation Unit (DTU), a loan furnished by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), management services provided by the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and financial management support services facilitated by Bank of the Bahamas -- the 'Digi Innovative Projects' grant initiative has come to its completion; and an award ceremony, recognizing the participants and awarding the winner of the competition, was held at the DTU, Airport Industrial Park (AIP), on Monday.
Delivering official remarks was the Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator, the Hon. Michael Halkitis. He congratulated the participants and said that he was 'proud' of their contributions to the programme.
"I congratulate you innovators for answering the call to address and find solutions to problems and issues we experience in the public service," he said. "We wanted to find ways to address challenges in the way the government works and improve government efficiency and delivery of services."
The innovators provided solutions utilizing technology to address challenges in a cross-section of areas such as transportation, education, agriculture, postal services, environmental sciences, human resources among other areas. The programme was launched in November 2022 and after two years of planning, development and collaboration between various agencies, the programme culminated in November 2024.
Mr. Halkitis said that he was especially happy that solutions could be found locally instead of having to source outside assistance. "It is very encouraging to see that the future of The Bahamas is not something we have to rely on others to build for us. We can find solutions right here."
The overall winner for the top award went to Michael Flowers, Jr., and Anton Carey, principals of 'Bahamas Agricultural Solutions.'
