CARICOM SECRETARIAT 24 TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXHIBITION ON CONNECT THE CARIBBEAN CARICOM...

24TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE EXHIBITION

ON CONNECT THE CARIBBEAN

CARICOM SECRETARIATCARICOM SECRETARIAT

ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND,

BAHAMAS

JULY 13 – 16, 2008

Context

CSM&E• In the face of relentless global competition,

small countries and developing countries bear the risk of being smothered.

• We share a common goal – – the achievement of a civilized society– Social, cultural and economic prosperity for the

people of the region.– MDG– WSIS Plan of action

ContextA SINGLE DEVELOPMENT VISION • There is broad consensus that a single vision for sustainable

development should be holistic, encompassing development in all its dimensions. Here we have singled out the economic, social, environmental and governance dimensions; grouping these into six broad elements:– Self-sustaining economic growth based on strong international

competitiveness, innovation, productivity, and flexibility of resource use;

– A full-employment economy that provides a decent standard of living and quality of life for all citizens; elimination of poverty; and provision of adequate opportunities for young people, constituting an alternative to emigration;

– Spatially equitable economic growth within the Community, having regard to the high growth potential of those Member States with relatively low per capita incomes and large resources of under-utilised land and labour;

– Social equity, social justice, social cohesion and personal security;– Environmental protection and ecological sustainability;– Democratic, transparent and participatory governance.

» Girvan Report – Towards a Single Economy (2007)

Driving Forces for integration

• TECHNOLOGY– seen as the single most important factor

shaping employment and economic growth

• GLOBALISATION– seen as leading to qualitative changes in the

form and effects of the exposure of countries to foreign competition.

• ~ viewed as interrelated

CSME four pillars

• Security

• Foreign policy coordination

• Economic integration

• Functional cooperation

Vision of a Connected Caribbean

• Barriers become invisible• ‘Perceived increased capacity’• Maximises the flow of information and

knowledge• Gateway to global knowledge resources• Access to networks

– Telemedicine– Education– Tourism promotion

• Efficient, effective Government services

Concept of a Connected Caribbean

Different layers of connectivity:– Language– Markets– Economies– Culture– Technology– Roles / mandates– Policy

Regional InitiativesCARICOM Secretariat • Policy

– Revised Treaty – Connectivity Agenda– ICT for development Agenda ( 6 flagship areas0– Draft Framework ICT/IS Document

• Action plan by October 30

• Operational– Sector specific Steering Committee– ICT4D programme– Regional ICT steering Committee– Task force on Interconnection (CARIFORUM, DOMs, OCTs)– Secretariat to the Heads of Gov’t

Regional Initiatives

• CARICAD ( E – Government + Public Service)• CKLN ( E-Learning + Network )• CARTAC ( Tax )• UWI ( Research , Open U)• CTU• CANTO• CBU / CMC• CIVIC ( online group)• CARINFO• CDB

Challenges• Access• Connectivity – technology layer• Leadership• Governance Model (s)• Communication (pratical level)

– Sharing information ( schedules, studies)• Strategic collaboration• Diluted resources

– Eg. Planning meetings• Various Divides ( incl. Generational)• Population• Little inclusion• ‘Perception of disconnected visions’• Relevance• Trust

Closing thoughts…• Take responsibility for outputs

– Ask ourselves –What have I done to ensure the successful implementation of ‘x’?

– Continuity / follow-up / ‘full-circle communication– Ensure all are on-board– Environmental issues– Allow time for change but ensure that change occurs

• Take ourselves less seriously– E.g. Civil society meetings (WSIS)– Teach ourselves to learn

• Fixed timeline ( 2015) – no time for spectators• Stay Engaged with the regional process

• How do we make all this relevant to the young people of the region?

Thank You…

Contact:Email: jbritton@caricom.org

ict4d@caricom.orgWebsite: www.caricomict4d.org

www.caricom.org