INTRODUCTION

With reference to the ITC Strategic Plan [Statement#11], the Information Technology Center is responsible for the implementation of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda's Information Technology Strategic Plan. 

Constituted in 2001, the IT Center has revolutionized Information Technology in the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.  In only three short years, major accomplishments include the Creation of the Government Data Center[Statement #5], Implementation of the Government Wide Area Network[Statement #4 ],Re-engineering of Customs, Inland Revenue, and Government Finance Procedures[Statement #7], many more.... 

Most of the strategic objectives are either completed or in the implementation stage.

The goal of the IT Center is to implement all strategic objectives by 2007.  All government operations shall be fully computerized[Statement #6] and at least 85% of government services shall be securely accessable from the Internet or from a one-stop location[Statement #8].

VISION STATEMENT

The vision and mission of the Information Technology Strategic Plan is to harness the potential of Information Technology as a key contributor to the development of Antigua and Barbuda. To rapidly develop the infrastructure in synchrony with the creation of excellently trained individuals and teams. We will utilize these human and material resources to transform our society into a prosperous and dynamic one. We will create a society that values and benefits from the creation and free flow of information and knowledge. We will encourage and assist the entrepreneurial spirit, and make the fruits of this technology available to every resident of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Complete Strategic Plan is available upon request and will soon be available for download...

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Statement #1 : The Prime Minister and his Cabinet shall ensure that the goals of the Information Technology Strategic Plan are clearly articulated to the residents of Antigua and Barbuda

Statement #2 : A public relations program shall be implemented to ensure that the public is aware of and appreciates the impact of Information Technology and the government's activities related to improving government services using Information Technology

Statement #3 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall encourage and facilitate transparency and access to government information in accordance with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda covering privacy and security issues.

Statement #4 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall create a government Wide Area Network to connect all government offices.

Statement #5 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall create and operate a government Data Center.

Statement #6 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall facilitate controlled information sharing among government organizations and a maximization of efficiency by real-time administration through digitization of administration works, extended information sharing, and integrated management of information resources.

Statement #7 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall identify and implement re-engineering/optimizing programs for government systems, operations, and processes.

Statement #8 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall identify and implement online government services thus producing a drastic enhancement of public service and business supporting competitiveness through on-line processing of public service without face-to-face visits.

Statement #9 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall facilitate access to computers for its residents

Statement #10 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall facilitate the creation of an e-commerce portal

Statement #11 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall establish an Information Technology Center to manage the implementation of its Information Technology Strategic Plan and to facilitate the implementation of Information Technology in the public and private sector.

Statement #12 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall identify, recruit, train, and deploy suitable persons for the development, management and operation of Information Technology programs for the Ministries.

Statement #13 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall identify, recruit, train, and deploy suitable persons who will focus on protecting government data from natural and man created disaster situations.

Statement #14 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall create an Information Technology Strategic plan for Barbuda to address social and infrastructure peculiarities that are specific to the experience of residents residing in Barbuda.

Statement #15 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall facilitate the establishment of IT professional organizations to address the needs of Information Technology professionals and business domains that utilize Information Technology in Antigua and Barbuda.

Statement #16 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall assess and implement programs that will use Information Technology to grow, or make more efficient, priority GDP sectors.

Statement #17 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall periodically assess the current state of Information Technology in Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will keep track of best practices and global trends in the utilization of Information Technology.

Statement #18: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall promote key Information Technology industries as priority areas that will build the Information Technology sector.

Statement #19 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall develop the Free Trade Zone as a center focused on creating export oriented Information Technology jobs.

Statement #20 : The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the public and private sector, shall develop an Information and Communications Technology Strategic plan. The plan will address an Information Technology Management System that will manage the Ministry of Education's administrative processes, the use of Information Technology in the general education curriculum, and an Information Technology sector curriculum.

Statement #21 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall encourage, guide, and facilitate Information Technology Education by private and public sector educational institutions

Statement #22 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall encourage, guide, and facilitate Venture Capital Funds

Statement #23 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall provide tax incentives for Information Technology industry organizations and organizations that create export-services oriented jobs.

Statement #24 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall develop a competitive and open telecommunication industry

Statement #25 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall ensure the establishment of the necessary legislative infrastructure to encourage, guide, and facilitate the usage and development of Information Technology

Statement #26 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall ensure the establishment of the necessary regulatory infrastructure to encourage, guide, and facilitate the usage and development of Information Technology

Statement #27 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall ensure the establishment of Information Technology standards and best practices for various domains and sectors.

Statement #28 : The Government of Antigua and Barbuda shall ensure that Information Technology is properly sustained by allocating the proper funds to implement projects and to sustain current systems.