PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago senator Dominic Smith, minister of public administration and Artificial Intelligence, today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern, citizen-centred and digitally enabled public service as he addressed the Public Service Open House 2026 at NALIS in Port of Spain in commemoration of United Nations Public Service Day.
Held under the theme “Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion”, the event brought together more than 40 ministries, departments and agencies to showcase innovations, services and technologies that are reshaping how Government engages with and delivers services to citizens.
Minister Smith noted that digital transformation is about more than technology. He said it is about creating simpler, faster and more accessible public services while equipping citizens with the skills needed to participate fully in an increasingly digital society. Through initiatives such as FutureReadyTT and VerifyTT, the government continues to expand opportunities for citizens to access services, credentials and learning pathways in new and innovative ways.
The open house provided a platform for citizens to interact directly with government agencies, explore services, and experience first-hand the digital and technological advancements shaping the future of public administration in Trinidad and Tobago.
Addressing the opening ceremony, minister Smith said, “We are building a Public Service that is smarter, more inclusive and better equipped to serve every citizen.”
Minister Smith emphasised that public officers remain at the heart of national development, and their work continues to transform policy into action and improve the quality of life for citizens.
The event also underscored the government’s digital transformation agenda, which includes the expansion of online services, improved interoperability across agencies and the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to drive efficiency and better decision-making.
A key feature of this year’s open house was its strong focus on youth engagement and career awareness. The
minister also highlighted the recent launch of futureReadyTT, a collaborative initiative with the ministry of education to prepare citizens for an AI-driven future. In addition, minister Smith noted that ongoing initiatives such as VerifyTT continue to enhance accessibility by enabling citizens to securely access and share official records electronically.
The minister noted that transformation extends beyond the adoption of technology, emphasising the importance of inclusion, participation and continuous improvement.
The Public Service Open House 2026 reflects government’s broader vision of a digitally enabled, transparent and responsive public service, built on strong partnerships between government, citizens, educators and industry.