The Government this week celebrated the results of an initiative to modernise public services.

The 100-day Accelerator Programme, sponsored by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, was launched in April with a focus on making the island’s government services more accessible and efficient.

A government spokeswoman said that the programme has resulted in prototypes for a new government website and an “eProfile” system for those who interact with the Government.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “This initiative underscores the importance of strategic outreach and engagement to Bermuda’s continued development.

“Partnerships like the one this government has established with the United Arab Emirates strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, helping us innovate and improve public outcomes through international collaboration.

“Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about improving the experience for the people we serve. By bringing in global expertise and new approaches, we are empowering our public officers to think differently and work more effectively.”

The initial cohort focused on revamping the Government’s website, creating a single digital profile for those who interact with the Government and synchronising staff information across IT platforms.

A government spokeswoman said: “Public officers were allocated to project teams and engaged directly with stakeholders through consultation sessions.

“They gathered feedback from the people most affected by these services to inform the solutions.

“Each project team has achieved significant milestones in the 100 days since the programme began.”

The work produced a prototype for a new government website that would be easier to navigate and more accessible, which is hoped to launch in the spring after additional testing.

Meanwhile, the eProfile project has resulted in a proof of concept for a unique identifier that would allow residents to use a single profile when dealing with the Government, laying the groundwork for more connected public service and improved service delivery.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah, UAE Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, said: “The partnership with the Government of Bermuda in the field of government modernisation reflects a shared ambition to strengthen government performance and enhance future-readiness.

“Bermuda’s strides in adapting the accelerator concept, originally developed in the UAE, to fit its local context and priorities are remarkable.”

Jennifer Attride-Stirling, the deputy head of public service, added: “This programme is changing the way we work.

“By collaborating across departments and listening to the public, our teams are finding new ways to deliver services that are practical, effective and citizen-focused.”