Introduction Honourable Lenard Montoute Minister for Social Transformation, Public Service, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports To successfully deliver the mandate of this Ministry, reform and development initiatives need to be supported by the strategic use of information and communication technology. Modernisation of our public service will improve and enhance the quality of services provided to the public. Government leads the development of our country and this Ministry plays a central role in our social and economic advancement. The importance of the functions of the public service to citizens and businesses cannot be underestimated. More is being demanded of us: faster delivery timeframes, more convenient and better quality service, greater integration across agencies and ministries, and better communication and collaboration. We must meet these demands through ICT‐enabled public service transformation. E‐government is a key aspect of this reform, intended to promote greater convenience, transparency, and cost efficient interaction between government and citizens, businesses and other agencies and entities. THE OPPORTUNITY Youth (10 ‐ 35 years old) constitute at least 50% of the population of Saint Lucia and, therefore, are an indispensable asset that must be harnessed if the country is to realize its full potential. If youth are unskilled and are out of the mainstream of development, it means that our country will suffer the consequences of their marginalization. An investment in youth is an investment in the future of our country and so those of you who so do, I say well done! Developing the skills and innate innovation of our youth is also fundamental. Enhancing their ability to create, share, and utilize information and knowledge to their advantage will deliver a wealth of economic and social benefits and will better equip our nation to cope with the global challenges facing developing countries today. Youth Month 2008, Honourable Lenard Montoute, Minister for Social Transformation, Public Service, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports This transformation, although led by government, is not a government initiative but a national initiative. It is a multi‐ stakeholder agenda that involves investing time and resources to build capacity within the public service and to ensure that the public is prepared to participate and take advantage of the benefits delivered through ICT. So let’s join forces to seize the opportunities that emerging technologies can offer. “Let’s embrace the spirit of a well known local quote, “Tout Sent Lisѐn Se Yon”. When we come together as one – no challenge is insurmountable”. [iii]