facilitate the achievement of “a secure and brighter future” for all Saint Lucians. These guidelines were as follows: 1. Formulating a strategic vision for our Nation to provide long term direction and vision, so as to clearly delineate where we are headed. 2. Setting clear objectives which involve converting strategic vision into specific performance outcomes. 3. Creating a national development strategy, designed to achieve the desired outcomes of national growth, development and social change. 4. Implementing and executing the chosen strategy effectively and efficiently. 5. Evaluating performance and initiating corrective adjustments in vision, long term direction, objectives, strategy and implementation activities, in light of actual experience, changing conditions, new ideas, and new opportunities. It is within this context that St. Lucia’s national development agenda ‐ medium term economic strategy was directed to the creation of a more diversified economy, improved conditions for private sector development, and enhancement of competitiveness. In particular the Government recognised the need to promote the use of information and communication technology (ICT) as an enabler for growth and development within the island and, therefore, the national development agenda emphasised the use of such technologies in building requisite capacities within the primary sectors. Further, Government recognised that the current lack of an overarching National ICT Policy and Strategy was a major limitation in the implementation of sustainable ICT initiatives and for the effective adoption and utilization of ICT resources. Government, therefore, committed itself to providing appropriate infrastructure, investing in appropriate skills development, and implementing effective policy and regulatory frameworks so as to enhance development of the ICT sector, within the context of a well designed ICT policy and strategy. In particular, Government required that the ICT strategy seek to: • Integrate St. Lucia into the global economy • Prioritize private sector development • Prioritize sustainable economic and social development • Address poverty alleviation • Support regional integration [7]

Select target paragraph3