A presentation of the draft market assessment report of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) was held on Thursday, 8th December, 2022 at the NIS Conference room, where stakeholders were gathered for a one-day consultation. The project which is being commissioned by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), is geared towards creating a digital infrastructure through skills training, capacity building, consultations and market assessment.

The meeting saw representation from a range of institutions, ministries and departments and some members of the private sector. The project is being funded by the World Bank to the tune of $US94.4 million, from 2021 to 2026. The participating countries are Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Project Coordinator of CARDTP - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Winston George, said the project's primary mission is to increase access to digital services and skills by government, businesses and individuals in the participating Eastern Caribbean countries. The project will cover four (4) components: the digital enabling environment-digital financial services, cyber security, data protection and privacy, the legal and regulatory environment, digital government infrastructure-platforms and services, digital skills, technology adoption and project implementation.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Information and Technology, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves said this project is focused on creating opportunities for national development through the digital transformation process. The minister added that this platform seeks to make Saint Vincent and the Grenadines more competitive, to take advantage of the investments being made within the digital infrastructure.

The workshop saw presentations from Market Assessment Expert of CARDTP, Dr. Marvin Pacheco and CARDTP Team Leader, David Edwards. The interactive session provided a platform for the further assessment and development of the project.

SOURCE: Agency for Public Information