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ICT Profile - Antigua and Barbuda


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.

Specifically, the GOAB will:
  • 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”

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda maintains a policy which declares that a primary objective is to ‘Build an Information-Enabled, Globally-Connected, and Knowledge-Based Society.’ This aim can be met specifically through the use of technological tools. The Government understands that the task of creating a sound ICT infrastructure cannot be done alone, and that this undertaking should be attempted through Government-Private Sector participation and investment. In this respect, the Government, through the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, is taking a two-way approach to the task by strengthening ICT education and training initiatives, as well as by providing incentives for the expansion of the ICT Products and Services Industry.

LEADING INSTITUTIONS
e-GOVERNMENT
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has an interesting and attractive web presence, apparently supported at the highest level, prominently featuring an invitation from the Prime Minister to provide feedback on government's performance: "I welcome and invite you to contact me with your views as we build a prosperous and dynamic Antigua and Barbuda in the sunshine."

Government Websites:

  • Official Website for the Government of Antigua Unit
  • Department of Tourism
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    ENABLING LEGISLATIONS

    NEWS
    PUBLICATIONS/DOCUMENTS
    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.
    ICT INDICATORS collected by Statistical Offices