Government to Fully Integrate All Essential Services29 Nov 2017

Technology will enhance global trade and cross-border collaboration

The Government of The Bahamas is committed to utilizing technology as a catalyst for national development, including using technology to integrate all of the country’s essential services, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe said Tuesday.

Pakesia Parker Edgecombe ICT Week

Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Information and Communications, Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe addresses ‘ICT Week’ at Atlantis, Paradise Island, November 28, 2017. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Another end result will be the creation of a more robust and secure government portal that will allow for transacting business in a more interactive way, at both at the local and global level.

The strategy is part of an overarching plan to create a more technologically driven society within The Bahamas, placing technology at the heart of all public and private initiatives.

Technology will also be used to facilitate the country’s participation in regional and global trade matters and to strengthen its cross-border collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

“We believe that the effective governance and operation of our country depends on the extent to which we can use technology to integrate all essential services, create a more robust and secure government portal, and encourage Bahamians to embrace the new interactive method of doing business in the country,” Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said.

“We are well on our way to further strengthening institutions and building capacity through ICT.”

A technologically driven society expands the economy

Addressing the Opening Session of the URCA/Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s ‘ICT Week’ at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said the creation of a more technologically driven society within The Bahamas is a major plank of the Minnis Administration.

“We see it as a vital investment in expanding the economy and creating new, domestic, and foreign entrepreneurial opportunities; the possibility of domestic/foreign partnerships, and increased employment opportunities for Bahamians.”

Parliamentary Secretary Parker-Edgecombe said the Government’s commitment to ICT is evident through the recent passage of the Commercial Enterprises legislation in the House of Assembly which, she said, embraces a broad range of investment opportunities that require secure, reliable ICT infrastructure to establish new, global business.

“Our national ICT framework is a strength that we will continue to develop, improve and promote as a significant aspect of our ability to compete globally.”

B-Smart Bahamas initiative will increase online communication access

Mrs. Parker-Edgecombe said the B-Smart Bahamas initiative recently announced by Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, will also play a critical role in the Administration’s drive to “build a modern Bahamas” using technology.

“This initiative (B-Smart Bahamas) is expected to embrace technology as an integral part of the Bahamian society, allowing greater public online communication access through the establishment of strategic public WIFI hotspots throughout the country.

“This initiative also aims to embrace technology to establish a National Alert messaging process, particularly during times of natural disasters. (The system was piloted during the recent hurricane season).

“As we continue to build the modern Bahamas, technology will be at the heart of all public and private initiatives. We are also ensuring that technology facilitates our participation in regional and global trade and strengthens our cross-border collaboration on issues of mutual concern.”

Source: Bahamas Information Services

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