POLICY STATEMENTS

Antigua and Barbuda. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Draft Policy

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is cognizant of the importance of ICT. The convergence and integration of communication networks and services, and the explosive growth of the Internet and Electronic Commerce, can no longer be ignored. Accordingly the Government has developed after extensive consultations the following ICT policy, which is a blue print for the economic transformation of Antigua and Barbuda to a knowledge-based society. In its implementation, this policy will provide the requisite legal and regulatory framework as well as financial and social incentives, which will ensure that the people of Antigua and Barbuda are active participants in the Global Village and reap the full rewards of globalization.

The Government’s intention is to promote a set of policies designed to upgrade the intellectual capital of its people. The “People First” philosophy is to ensure that every citizen and resident has affordable access to ICT services in order to communicate and better themselves educationally and economically.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Antigua and Barbuda E-Government/National ICT Plans:

2009 ICT Action Plan (Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications), launched at ICTFEST 2008, Wednesday, August 27, 2008.

"Information Technology Revolution is Putting People First"

In general, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda (GOAB), fully supports the use of ICT in every area of government, and as a means of national development. Its overall goals are to become a SMART government, wired into today's technology.

To achieve these goals, the government will develop a comprehensive e-government platform to provide the population with easier access to government information and services, and to generally increase the efficiency of interactions between government and its citizens.

• Computerize all government departments to ensure that technology infrastructure remains at the leading edge and can deliver reliable government services at the lowest cost.
• Provide computer training to public sector employees by providing scholarships to attend ABIIT.
• Computerize police records to enable rapid profile scans, motor vehicle identification, and fingerprinting matching and to improve police crime fighting and efficiency.
• Utilize computerized technology to provide secure, efficient and cost effective record keeping and retrieval.
• Make available on the Internet government forms, e.g. passport applications, income tax, customs.
• Make available on the Internet copies of published government reports, laws and documents.
• Publish all Requests for Tender Proposals on the Internet.
• Introduce the registration of companies and businesses, and the payment of utility bills via the Internet.

The Government Information Technology Center is responsible for the implementation of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda's ICT policy, and it currently being guided by a national Information Technology Strategic Plan.

Antigua and Barbuda ICT Fest 2005: ICT Solutions for Antigua and Barbuda's Development.

Opportunities for Investment in ICTs in Antigua and Barbuda:
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is promoting a set of policies that will upgrade the Intellectual Capital of the Nation. Antigua and Barbuda is now rising to First World Standards with the building of the Knowledge Society and an Intelligent Nation. Antigua and Barbuda has become a Regional Centre of Information Technology Excellence.

LEADING INSTITUTIONS

    Telecommunications Division

Government Websites:

NEWS

• IT project gets regional acclaim
• ICT survey soon to be released
• Government launches ICT summer camp
• Future of online gaming industry in Antigua
• Public Safety Communication System on target for operation

PUBLICATIONS/DOCUMENTS

Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean (Volume 2)

• Antigua and Barbuda - Country Report
  The country of Antigua and Barbuda has introduced computers and the Internet in secondary schools in
  support of students’ preparation for the CXC IT exam. An initiative placing three to four computers
  in six primary schools, with the intention of supporting younger students’ early familiarization
  with computers, is also in process. In addition, the MOE is conducting a three-school pilot test of
  AbusSTAR, the Barbadian EMIS tool.
  
  Policy and planning within the MOE have fallen behind these modest in-school efforts and behind
  developments in the field of ICT in education as well. With no solid link to strategy or to broader
  goals, Antigua’s modest activities combine only loosely to enhance the delivery of education or the
  quality of teaching and learning in schools.
• Antigua and Barbuda E-Readiness Business Survey Report.  February 20, 2008. Prepared by Roger de Peiza, ICT Consultant, Commonwealth Secretariat
  
  The E-Readiness Business Survey was conducted between November and December 2007 to provide statistics on the use of Information and Communication Technologies by the business community in Antigua and Barbuda. Survey forms were mailed to seven hundred and forty three (743) companies and an online survey was accessible through the government website. One hundred and two companies responded to the survey, many of which are small to medium sized enterprises whose customers are primarily individuals in Antigua and Barbuda. As was anticipated, hoteliers and tourism companies indicated that their customers come mainly from outside of the CARICOM region
• Antigua and Barbuda National ICT Household Survey.  September 29, 2008
  The survey gives essential information for planning at national and regional levels. It provides that information on a consistent basis, both about the country as a whole and about Parishes, Villages Administrative Districts, etc. in relation to one another. Furthermore the results of this national survey can be use as benchmarks for current ICT statistics and will also provide a basis for monitoring and evaluating current and ongoing ICT initiatives. Source: Commonwealth Secretariat
• Government of Antigua & Barbuda. INTERNET / INTRANET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
  The Internet is a worldwide communication network linking together thousands of computer networks and many millions of users through public and private telecommunication lines.
  
  The Government of Antigua and Barbuda (“GOAB”) provides access to the vast information resources and facilities of the Internet to help public sector workers and others do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Such facilities include researching particular products, electronically communicating with colleagues and business associates and accessing central government data.
  
  The facilities to provide that access represent a considerable commitment of government resources in respect of telecommunications, networking, security, software and support as well as significant costs. They also represent a significant risk if they are not used correctly.
  
  This policy document is intended to define in a clear and straightforward manner what those risks are and the conditions under which the Internet and Intranet services might be used.