CARICOM ICT Ministers recently approved an action plan to fast-track digital transformation in the Caribbean region. We discuss the effort, along with some of the challenges, based on the region\u2019s track record to date.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Although approval of these action plans is welcomed, it could be argued that these action plans should have been approved ages ago, and should be well into implementation by now. As recently, in May 2021, and in an earlier CARICOM article<\/a>, in recognition of World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, which had the theme, Accelerating Digital Transformation in Challenging Times<\/em>, it was stated that \u201cFast-tracking Digital transformation in CARICOM is the main objective of an upcoming Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on ICT<\/em>\u201d. At that meeting, which was held in the latter half of the year, a draft short-term action plan would have been presented for approval for fast-tracking digital transformation, which was based on a mandate given in 2020, \u201cto capitalise on the new opportunities and challenges the pandemic provides to advance the development of the Single ICT Space<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest challenges that CARICOM seems to face \u2013 as it relates to ICT \u2013 is the bureaucratic nature of its machinery, and consequently, the grouping not being seen to be responsive to the needs and imperatives of that sector. For example, and in addition to the previously mentioned digital transformation action plan, from at least 2018<\/a>, the removal of roaming charges across the Caribbean region has been one of the organisation\u2019s priorities. However, that very issue is still among the matters before the Ministers of ICT nearly four years later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his remarks as the Meeting for Ministers of ICT<\/a>, Deputy Premier of Montserrat, Dr. Samuel Joseph, encouraged his fellow ministers to keep digital transformation of their government on the front burner, cognisant that ICTs have become \u201cmore integral to personal and professional life<\/em>\u201d. He also emphasised the need for \u201cwhole of government\u201d approaches, a strategy proposed by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union from early 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, and it is a point worth mentioning, that although there might be unanimous agreement by government ministers on matters tabled at the CARICOM, or regional, level, there are no guarantees on whether or not, or the extent to which, implementation of the agreed initiative will occur in-country. In layman\u2019s terms, and as sovereign states, CARICOM Member Countries maintain the right to do as they please \u2013 even though they may have agreed to a certain course of action on the regional stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the digital transformation action plan that was approved last week will be driven by the CARICOM Secretariat, its successful implementation depends heavily on the cooperation of the Member States. It thus remains to be seen how quickly countries will move to support the action plan, and consequently, what success will be realised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Image credit: Gerd Altmann (Pixabay<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n