PARAMARIBO — From paper to real-time insight: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) is taking a concrete step towards digital governance with BIS Online. The department officially put the system into use on Monday, positioning itself as the first digital ministry in Suriname.
Luziano Truideman, Director of General Management and Consular Affairs, explains that BIS Online makes files digitally traceable. This makes it visible where a file is located, what its status is and who is responsible for it. The system also supports various administrative processes and helps reduce paper use and lost documents.
“Because the system was developed internally with existing technology and licenses, according to the estimate presented, an external development project of at least 100,000 US dollars has been avoided”
BIS Online was developed in-house by ambassador Gilbert van Lierop, with support from the IT department and feedback from employees. According to Van Lierop, successful digitalization not only requires technology, but also leadership, involvement and the willingness to work differently.
Minister Melvin Bouva placed the commissioning in the broader process of administrative renewal. The introduction of a Document Management System was one of the recommendations from the quick scan that was carried out after his appointment on the instructions of President Jennifer Simons.
Because the system was developed internally with existing technology and licenses, an external development project of at least 100,000 US dollars was avoided, according to the estimate presented. A comparable commercial system for approximately two hundred users would also cost at least US$36,000 per year.
BIS Online can also be applied by other ministries and thus contribute to further digitization of the government. In recognition of his special contribution, Ambassador Van Lierop received a certificate of appreciation from Minister Bouva. The minister concluded by stating: “BIS is the first digital ministry in Suriname. Let us ensure that it is not the last.”
(From left) Minister Bouva, director Truideman and ambassador Van Lierop. (Photo: BIS)
