4. The Approach for the Establishment of a CARICOM Single ICT Space The proposed approach to the establishment of the CARICOM Single ICT Space is one of incremental implementation phases, which positions governments to be early adopters and effective users of ICT in delivering services to citizens, nationally, regionally and globally. The Governments’ early adoption of ICT is intended to catalyse a process that would result in widespread adoption across all sectors. Implementation would build on existing relevant initiatives and will require:        A common understanding and acceptance of the Vision and Roadmap by CARICOM Heads of Government, evidenced by a Political Charter; Political will, leadership and Governments’ commitment to be early adopters of ICT; Continuous and progressive awareness-building and education of Caribbean citizens, as a means to involving citizens throughout the entire process; Wide multi-stakeholder consultation and engagement to cultivate a climate of involvement of communities of interest and fostering commitment to the process; Upgrading of Governments’ networks at the national level; The provision of standardised ICT-enabled Government services; and Inter-connection of Government networks and seamless provision of Government services. 5. Roadmap for a CARICOM Single ICT Space The Roadmap for the establishment of a CARICOM Single ICT Space presents actions to be undertaken over the time frame to 2019 and proposes an approach that builds on existing relevant initiatives and advances in incremental phases. The Roadmap identifies specific actions required in the 2016 – 2017 timeframe in order to enable implementation of the Space by 2019. Similar specifics of actions and implementation activities beyond 2017 would be detailed in the comprehensive work programme to be developed as part of the 2016/17 Roadmap activities. The Roadmap commences with the endorsement and commitment of finances by CARICOM Heads of Government for the initial work, which entails research, planning, and sourcing financing for implementation of the comprehensive work programme. The planning stage will entail an environmental assessment and gap analyses, consultation and negotiations with stakeholders, the development and issuance of a comprehensive work programme, including appropriate provisions for effective management and governance of implementation, and sourcing financing for the implementation phase. While these activities are in train, existing initiatives to upgrade Government networks will be pursued, positioning governments to be early adopters and effective users of ICT in delivering services to citizens, nationally, regionally and globally. An Action Plan to support the Roadmap is provided in Appendix I. The implementation phase will commence with public awareness and education activities followed by the work to harmonise policies, legislation and regulations to create the Page 14 of 27