Since assuming responsibility for Digital Innovation in July, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, has undertaken a review of the Government’s digital transformation initiatives, and is highlighting the progress made to simplify and improve access to public services.
The Government’s Digital Innovation Team has been steadily delivering on the Government’s commitment to modernise services and reduce red tape. In the last 24 months, more than 140 services have been digitised, replacing paper based processes and reducing the need for in-person visits, all while making services accessible around the clock.
Of the 140 services, 10 key areas have proven to be invaluable to the community.
These include the One-Stop Shop Portal, ShoreLink, the Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) ID Application, online parking ticket payments, online Notice to Quit submissions for rent-control properties, the TCD Ridesharing Application, Child Development Programme Screening Registration, Special Events Permit Applications, the Department of Social Insurance Adjustment Portal, and the Social Insurance Lookup Service.
Minister Lightbourne notes that the public’s embrace of these services demonstrates the growing demand for convenient digital government solutions, as evidenced by the following stats:
- The ShoreLink App has recorded more than 748,408 uses, allowing residents and visitors to purchase transit fares directly from their smartphones while eliminating the need for cash, paper tickets, or physical transfers. ShoreLink
- The CAPS ID Application has processed more than 10,570 submissions, helping importers and exporters complete customs-related transactions more efficiently and avoid delays. CAPS ID
- The Social Insurance Lookup Service has been used more than 32,400 times, enabling residents to instantly retrieve their Social Insurance Number without needing to visit a government office. Social Insurance
- The Child Development Programme Screening Registration System has facilitated more than 286 online registrations, simplifying access to important screening services for Bermuda's families. Child Development
- The online Notice to Quit service has streamlined submissions, modernising what was previously a paper-based process for landlords and tenants. Landlord Tenant
Minister Lightbourne said, “The digitisation of these services is about creeating practical improvements that save residents and businesses time and effort. From purchasing a ferry ticket through ShoreLink, accessing Social Insurance information in seconds, applying for a permit online, or managing a customs transaction more efficiently, these tools are helping people complete everyday tasks more conveniently. As an example, the strong uptake of services such as ShoreLink, CAPS and the Social Insurance Lookup Service tells us that residents value the convenience of being able to access government services online, whenever and wherever they need them.”
The Minister also encouraged residents to take advantage of services they may not realise are available online, such as paying parking tickets (www.gov.bm/services/pay-parking-ticket-online).
Minister Lightbourne thanked the Digital Innovation Team for its efforts and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across the public service.
