Residents of Bequia got the opportunity, to interact with members of the SVG Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), implementation unit, at an in-person consultation that was held on the Grenadine Island on Wednesday, November 22nd.

The objectives of the consultation were, to introduce persons who are not yet familiar with the project to it, explain the project in detail and how they can benefit from this project once it is fully implemented. The consultation also sought to answer and respond to questions and concerns from residents. 

The consultation took place at the Bequia Anglican Primary School. It was also streamed live on the SVG Digital Transformation Project Facebook page. Those in attendance from the PIU included Project coordinator, Winston George, Communications officer, Jennifer Richardson, and a consultant from the firm Ernst & Young and De’anna  Ralph, Environment and Safety Officer from the Ministry of National Mobilisation.

 The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project is a five-year government project, funded by the World Bank which seeks to increase access to services, technologies and skills by governments, businesses, and individuals in the participating Eastern Caribbean countries, those countries being, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The project has been ongoing in this country over the past two and a half years and is being funded to the tune of US$30,000,000.00.  Some of the benefits to be derived from this project include:

• Continuity of government operations in the event of natural disaster or disease pandemics.
• Enabling remote work and learning.
• Reducing physical contact, travel and waiting times.
• Enhanced economic diversification.
• Strengthen the enabling environment for digital financial services.
• Enhance cybersecurity capability against cyber-attacks and fraud - public and private sector.
• Promote the delivery of 24/7 anytime/anywhere delivery of government services.

Digital technologies are changing global economies affecting almost every sector and aspect of our lives. Digital transformation is therefore critical to recognizing economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

• UN SDG 9 – calls for building resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation and universal access to ICT's.