Last Updated on October 2, 2022, 7:48 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Konris Maynard, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), said that St Kitts and Nevis is committed to achieving Universal Affordable Broadband Connection to residents and citizens of the Federation before 2030.
According to minister Maynard, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis is about to begin its digital transformation journey, starting with the ‘Whole of Government Strategy.
“St Kitts and Nevis commit to leave no one unconnected and achieve Universal, affordable Broadband connection to 100% of our residents and citizens before 2030.”
Further, Minister of ICT Konris Maynard stated, “We will continue our collaboration with the ITU and other CTU member states to provide the real dream of a digital economy and full e-government services to all the people in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.”
Minister Maynard made this announcement during his presentation of St Kitts and Nevis’ policy statement at the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Bucharest, Romania, from September 26th to October 14th, 2022.
“While we have achieved individual milestones, to achieve full Digital Transformation, it is now necessary to fully embrace the ‘Whole of Government’s strategy.
He added, “However, due to all the limits associated with Small Island Developing States such as ours, the Whole of Government strategy requires us to collaborate with the best ICT industry practitioners. Those who can help the nation in the capacity building of our local technical talent and access to affordable and concessionary capital investment,” he said.
So far, the strategy has resulted in “About 85% mobile and internet penetration in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Additionally, they have created:
- Digital application for financial assistance during the pandemic;
- Online Vehicle Registration and Licensing;
- Creating an Immunization database;
He added that the Online Immigration/Customs portal would eliminate the need for paper and improve entry processing speeds,” he added.
Minister Maynard also said that the Ministry of ICT has “pledged to our local internet service providers to engage in “Partner2Connect’ initiatives. This initiative will improve connectivity around the island, and “high-speed internet is provided for free to our local community centres around the island to enable unconnected citizens the opportunity to connect.”
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
