Information Communications and Technology (ICT) stakeholders gave their feedback on the Government’s draft National ICT Policy and Strategy at a workshop on July 26.

Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman said that the Government of the Virgin Islands is responsible for national information and communications technology policy and strategy formulation in the BVI and  is also obligated to ensure that there is appropriate oversight and continuous monitoring and evaluation of national, regional and international developments within the ICT sphere.  

Mrs. Ritter-Freeman added, “To this end, the completion of a national ICT plan is critical for the future growth, development and sustainability of the Virgin Islands.  Hence, the recent meeting with the representatives of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and the relevant Government agencies cement the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the final plan is completed and delivered by the end of this year.”

The Deputy Secretary said, “The discussions were robust, meaningful and in keeping with the aim for the Territory to be proactive in its posture towards ICT development.  I am pleased with the level of engagement across all sectors and I am satisfied that we are well on our way to advancing a national ICT plan that is proactive, responsive and decisive.”

Agencies represented in the discussions were the Premier’s Office, Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission, Department of Information Technology, and the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA).

The Government of the Virgin Islands signed an agreement in August 2017 to collaborate with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on the development of a National Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Policy and Implementation Plan.

Since then, it has engaged private sector and public sector stakeholders to develop this policy. The amendments derived from Wednesday’s workshop will be sent to Cabinet for approval.

NOTES

• Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) representative presenting at National ICT Policy and Strategy workshop on July 26
• Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) representative presenting at National ICT Policy and Strategy workshop on July 26
• Information Communications and Technology (ICT) stakeholders and Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)  representatives at the National ICT Policy and Strategy workshop on July 26.