To transform Barbados into a major information, communications and services’ hub where progressive technology sectors are nurtured and where innovation fuels efficiency, drives competitiveness, strengthens export capacity, stimulates local knowledge creation, empowers citizens, preserves security and sustains equitable growth.
Source: Barbados’ National ICT Strategic Plan

Barbados Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Policy
The Government of Barbados wishes to create a technology neutral regulatory framework for IP based networks and services. In keeping with this objective, the Telecommunications Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities has published a draft policy on Voice over IP.
source: The Government of Barbados

Barbados' Information Society Country Profile. ECLAC, September 2006.
A nation with a population of less than 300,000, facing global competition on all sectors and major regional transformations, Barbados has chosen to be ready for an ever changing world and is betting its future on:

• Using ICT to form creative long-life learning-able citizens.
• A solid regulatory framework for technology.
• A competitive telecommunications environment.
• Elimination of custom duties on ICT related equipment.
• Leadership on adoption of technology by the government.

Early recognition of the importance of ICT and the allocation of proper funding has given Barbados a head start in the region.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Barbados' Information Technology Indicators Study
One of the key objectives of the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) is the coordination, collection and dissemination of current Information Technology-related research. In keeping with this mandate, the organization has adopted a more systematic program of research to help them better understand the impact of Information Technology on both the Barbadian corporate and residential segments.

LEADING INSTITUTIONS

• Ministry of Tourism
• Barbados Telecommunications Unit
• Barbados E-Commerce
• GOBINET (Government of Barbados Information Network)
• Barbados Government Information Service
• Fair Trading Commission
• Central Information Management Agency (Proposed)

e-GOVERNMENT

• Barbados Integrated Government

This portal provides online government services which can be accessed on a 24 hour basis from anywhere in the world. In its initial phase, the portal will provide e-services where land tax can be calculated online, polling district information can be accessed and taxi fares for specific destinations can be determined. In the future, the portal is expected to expand its services to include; payment of drivers' licenses and permits, as well as application for and payment of registration of birth, death and baptism certificates.  

NEWS 

ENABLING LEGISLATIONS

Telecommunications Act (2001)

Telecommunications amendment Act (2006)

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL 2008

PUBLICATIONS/DOCUMENTS

Survey of ICT and Education in the Caribbean. Vol.2
Barbados - Country Report
Over the last decade, Barbados has launched an ambitious program of education reform, EduTech
2000, which features a strong ICT component. The US$213 million EduTech project has experienced
significant delays in its civil works component, with those delays reflected in delays in ICT implementation.

In contrast, major EduTech activities— reforming the primary and secondary curricula and
providing ICT-focused TPD—have been implemented to some extent, and have introduced
increased use of learner-centered pedagogies. As of 2007, EduTech ICT planning has been revised and
the project is moving forward with installation of classroom- and lab-based computers.
The four Barbadian tertiary institutions offer a range of ICT-related certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
Several also offer courses via e-learning.
Source: INFODEV