Ministers with responsibility for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are due to meet in Antigua and Barbuda next Wednesday, 15 May 2002, to look at the regional information and communication technology environment as well as to mobilise coordinated action towards the framing of regional programming and a CARICOM Policy on ICT.
The Ministerial deliberations aim to underpin regional initiatives in advancing the development of information and communication technologies, and efforts to successfully create a vibrant Single Market and Economy (CSME), supported by a Knowledge-based Society.
They are expected to look at the current needs with respect to the interests and priorities of the Community within the information and communication technology environment, while setting appropriate benchmarks as they seek to craft a Communications Plan to support efficient and effective regional action.
A status report on the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) will be presented to the Ministers in addition to which they will be looking at issues pertaining to sustaining Regional Programming. Defamation Law is another critical regional issue which will engage the attention of the Ministers.
Setting the tone of the Ministerial deliberations will be Mr. Byron Blake, Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM Secretariat, who is responsible for Trade and Economic Integration. Mr Blake will deliver the key note remarks on behalf of CARICOM Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington.
The Ministerial deliberations will be preceded by an Officials forum slated for Monday 13 May 2002, at which the range of issues will be examined, lending support to the Ministerial discussions. A seminar on Information and Communication Technologies is also scheduled for 14 May 2002.
The Ministerial forum is supported in the CARICOM decision-making machinery through the Quasi Cabinet portfolio regarding Services, including Information Technology and Telecommunications for which Antigua and Barbuda has lead responsibility. The Quasi-Cabinet was put in place by the CARICOM Heads of Government in 1999.
