The CARICOM region is moving full speed ahead to establish a Single ICT Space. We outline some of its key elements, but also highlight some of the challenges envisaged.

 

The term, ‘CARICOM Single ICT Space’, has been around for a few years, having first been mooted in 2011, as a key recommendation in the draft Regional Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Development Strategy, also known as the ‘Regional Digital Development Strategy’ (RDds). As noted in our first article on the strategy, and through a coordinated regional approach, the RDds sought to facilitate improved ICT in the region and the building of a “sustainable knowledge society in the shortest possible time” .

Since 2011, there has been a growing emphasis on realising the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Single ICT Space, as it would complement the existing CARICOM Single Market and Economy. However, its successful realisation would mean that CARICOM Member States, of which there are 15 full members and five associate members, are able to leverage economies of scale and scope through a regional approach to telecoms, ICT, and the continued development of the digital economy.

What is the CARICOM Single ICT Space?

According to the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the objective of the CARICOM Single ICT space is “to provide the ICT-enabled foundation for enhancing both CARICOM’s functional cooperation and fulfilling the social, cultural and economic imperatives of the region”. As a result, it is envisaged as “an ICT-enabled borderless space that fosters economic, social and cultural integration for the betterment of Caribbean citizens.”

To achieve the stated objective, the following four key features of the CARICOM Single ICT Space, which are further explained in Table 1, and provide an overarching framework for the programmes and initiatives (some of which are outlined in Table 2) that must be implemented:

  1. Regionally harmonised ICT policy, legal and regulatory regimes
  2. Robust national and regional broadband infrastructure
  3. Common frameworks for Governments, ICT service providers and consumers; and
  4. Effective, secure technology and management systems.

 

Table 1: Key characteristics and rationale of the CARICOM Single ICT Space (Source: CTU)

 

Table 2: Key characteristics and select action items under the CARICOM Single ICT Space (Source: CTU)

 

Proposed approach

The approach that has been proposed for realisation of the CARICOM Single ICT Space is to have the regional governments drive the required changes, by taking the lead in adopting and implementing the needed systems. In becoming early adopters and effective users of ICT, it is expected that the governments will begin to foster the desired changes in behaviour across all sectors and segments of society, and would be the most efficient and effective way of achieving the desired goals.

However, it must be highlighted that the timeline for the establishment of the CARICOM Single ICT Space is by 2019. It therefore means that all of the key characteristics stated above, along with the associated activities and initiatives, must be completed in about three years.

Anticipated implementation challenges

It almost goes without saying that the programme of activities included in the roadmap, to be completed within a three-year window, is incredibly ambitious. For an individual country, such a programme would be daunting, at best; but is considerably compounded when coordinating and managing just the 15 full member states of CARICOM is considered. Consequently, several challenges, a few of which are outlined below, that could thwart the timeframe set.

First, a particular concern is the extent of the political will, leadership and commitment of Caribbean government to truly drive process. There are many decisions that must be made at the regional level by the CARICOM Member States, such as establishing “mechanisms to accelerate the necessary policy, legislative and regulatory reforms”, and removing “all obstacles that hinder the free movement of goods, people, services and capital across Member States” (Source: CTU). Should there be any hesitation, or points of serious contention, among the Member States, or even delays in reaching consensus on particular issues, timelines could be seriously affected.

Second, as mentioned above, Caribbean governments are expected to be the early adopters of ICTs and the initiatives that will be rolled out. For many countries, it means that very deep and timely transformation of systems and processes within each country’s public service is crucial. Hence, in addition to the region-wide projects and activities that will be implemented, countries must be prepared to allocate resources to support and facilitate the requisite internal changes.

Finally, due in part to the limited timeframe established, the sheer management of, and effort towards achieving, roadmap elements, many of which are to occur simultaneously, could ultimately result in delays. Although, in principle, non-related activities can be scheduled concurrently, in most countries, it is likely that there will be a small cadre of individuals who will be coordinating, and facilitating the implementation of virtually all of the requisite initiatives and activities. However, there will be a limit to how much they can manage and/or implement, and unfortunately, either activities will inadvertently fall through the cracks, or priority projects will be determined and outstanding ones will remain unaddressed.

 

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