programs, job applications, and electronic Crime Reporting Information Management payments. System (CRIMS) also to cities and police Information and technology, in modern There is no standard for office automation computers, telephones network use although, from the e-government survey solutions, is pervasive throughout GOB. conducted, the software tool most prevalent However, the usage of electronic systems is Microsoft Office 2007. and processes is still very minor compared pertinent to note, that with the exception of with the usage of paper-based ones. users who have authorized access to Smart Desktop computers may be used to Stream the general consensus is that most produce documents and presentations, installations of the Microsoft application but it is very rare that they are used to software is unlicensed.8 access vital the communication data. form of stations.7 and Database servers contain some client information, but more often than not it is used as a backup for paper files, not the central record itself. Much is still in paper. Although more sophisticated information systems are being introduced including document management solutions, their usage is still very limited. It is, however, There are no data centers in Belize. The building of a National ICT Centre by the Ministry of the Public Service, financed by the Government of Taiwan, whilst an excellent development, does not yet have this role as its mandate. There is no doubt that, if properly planned, the new National ICT Centre can act as a Central Data Centre with appropriate robust facilities to assure (i) There is no central secure government consolidation network. streamlined utilization of hardware; (iii) However, there are many separate networks including of ad hoc hardware; (ii) Smart Stream, which is a secure network run by CITO on behalf of the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for applications relating to accounting, income tax, and service tax; a network created by the Ministry of Health to promulgate the Belize Information Health System (BIHS) to cities and municipalities; and a network created by the Belize Police Force to promulgate the Belize ICT National Strategy 7 There is also a project underway to link the Police, Immigration and Prison together via a common database to provide more intelligence regarding crime. This is being sponsored by the United States government. 8 The Ministry of the Public Service through its Belize National Information and Communication Technology Center is in the process of discussions with Microsoft Corporation for the feasibility of purchasing a Microsoft Enterprise license for GOB, its statutory agencies and schools. 32