I.T. Strategy to Deliver First Grade Service to Citizens

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2013 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has renewed its commitment to use information technology (IT) to reduce cost and improve efficiency in the public service as it meets the needs of an evolving population.

Assistance has been received from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to facilitate the establishment of a Government Wide Area Network (GWAN) which will digitally connect all government offices streamlining communication.

Prime Minister Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas said this infrastructural foundation for a converged communication platform will promote good governance.

Communications within school campuses and between institutions is also set to improve, with the rollout of the Education Network (EduNET). The free Wi-Fi access will enhance peer learning, and collaboration, master teacher tutoring and expand the scope of the learning environment. The EduNET perfectly complements Government’s One-2-One Laptop Project which provided 7,000 students as well as teachers with personal computers.

“The technological advances being pursued by this Government are in line with the regional approach to improve governance, modernize the public sector and enhance integration through the use of IT to facilitate greater returns to stimulate economic growth,” explained Prime Minister Douglas.

He stated that the Federation’s participation in two regional projects namely the Enhancing Competitiveness in the Caribbean through the Harmonization of ICT Policies, Legislation and Regulatory Procedures (HIPCAR) Project, as well as the OECS E-Government for Regional Integration Programme (EGRIP) has been beneficial.

Additionally, technical assistance was provided through a Grant Agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank, to facilitate the assessment of departmental activities and the development for an E-government desk. The project is expected to be complete in June 2013 and will allow St. Kitts and Nevis to gain access to an OECS E-procurement system for pharmaceuticals.

Minister responsible for Information Technology Honourable Glenn Phillip stressed that Government was committed to “deliver first world, first grade services” online to citizens at home and abroad.