ICT experts will meet next week in Barbados to accelerate progress on implementation of a regional ICT strategy. There is growing awareness of the emergence of new global ICTs in the Community, and recognition that these technologies have an inherent potential for enhancing and integrating Member States in areas such as education, health, poverty reduction, disaster preparedness, delivery of public information and governance.

These issues will be discussed by Ministers responsible for ICTs at their 3rd Meeting on 15 October 2004 in Barbados. This ministerial meeting will be preceded by a meeting of the Region's ICT officials on 13 October 2004.

While the Region has already endorsed the CARICOM Connectivity Agenda, this meeting provides an opportunity for Member States to build greater momentum in their efforts to fully exploit Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for human, national and Regional development.

Member States are also cognisant of the need for functional connectivity and the rich potential of ICTs for transforming the Region's economic landscape, for the benefit of all citizens, particularly with the imminent implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The decisions taken by the Heads of Caribbean governments underscored the need to pursue ICT and development as a regional project, taking into account the capacity building of smaller States to become fully involved in a connected Community.

In pursuit of this new ICT strategy approach in the Region, ICT officials are recommending the adoption of a people-centered approach, which has as core values the need to build regional human capacity for planning and implementation, sustainability and institution building, and the engagement of Caribbean society.

The ICT for Development strategy, if implemented, is poised to facilitate increased competitiveness in services, particularly E-Commerce. Greater use of ICTs will also increase productivity of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) equipping them to take advantage of the CSME when it takes full effect.

Contact:

Rose Blenman
rblenman@caricom.org