Vision and Roadmap for a CARICOM Single ICT Space Executive Summary In March 2014, the CARICOM Heads of Government (CHOG) issued a policy directive for establishment of a Single ICT Space to enhance the environment for investment and production by building the digital economy over the period 2014 to 2019. The Heads further mandated that as a priority, regional attention be given to the development of a roadmap for a CARICOM Single ICT Space in 2014 and 2015. Given the views of the Heads of Government on the importance of a Single ICT Space, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), as the lead regional ICT organisation, directed the process for elaborating the Heads’ mandate. This process led to the articulation of a vision for the Space as “an ICT-enabled borderless space that fosters economic, social and cultural integration for the betterment of Caribbean citizens” and the development of a Roadmap for the establishment of a CARICOM Single ICT Space. The CTU has consistently advocated that Governments must be early adopters of ICTs, using them effectively to create seamless, citizen-centric services as a strong starting point of influence for the evolution to the CARICOM Single ICT Space. This view has been supported and adopted by the CARICOM ICT Cluster Agencies. The Roadmap thus identifies milestones for the commitments needed from the CARICOM Heads of Government to establish the Single ICT Space and the planning activities and implementation phases, which begin by positioning Governments to make effective use of ICT resources. Early adoption by Governments is intended to accelerate a process that would result in widespread use of ICT across all sectors. The Roadmap also draws on relevant existing initiatives for advancing the work to establish the CARICOM Single ICT Space. Establishing a CARICOM Single ICT Space requires a common understanding and acceptance of the vision for and objectives of the Space. Above all, it requires the stakeholders in the region to work together in its planning and implementation. In order to derive the full benefits of the Single ICT Space, it is imperative that all unnecessary barriers existing amongst CARICOM States are eliminated in order to allow for the free movement of goods, people, services and capital, as envisioned by the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). In addition, it is the view of the ICT Cluster Agencies that collectively, the existing Caribbean institutions and organisations can make a significant contribution to realising the vision. However, the institutions must be strengthened, resourced and empowered to fulfill their respective roles in the process. The establishment of a CARICOM Single ICT Space is indeed a complex undertaking. However, with political will; the determination to convert the Roadmap into detailed action plans and the establishment of appropriate governance structures; the vision can become a reality. Page 5 of 27