integrate the supply chain – again with the focus on ensuring that visitors have an exceptional
visit. A key element of this Programme would be the review and updating of the policy and
regulatory framework that underpins this sector – including policies on data sharing and
adoption of ICTs by SMEs.
It is important to mention at this point that the opportunity exists for a ‘One Windward Islands’
Tourism Programme. The key factor of such a Programme is the potential to share cost,
infrastructure and to utilise the available human resources for maximum benefit of all of the
Windward Islands.
4.2 ICT Infrastructure
The main objective of the ICT Infrastructure Programmes is to ensure that all citizens and
businesses have universal affordable access to the ICTs that they wish to utilise for their
personal or commercial benefit. This would require the availability of an appropriate level of
infrastructure in all communities of St. Lucia, which is accessible by every individual in terms of
availability and affordability.
Infrastructure Upgrade Programme
This Programme will provide affordable and reliable access to modern communications
technologies and services for all citizens and businesses in every community, rural or otherwise.
It will encompass innovative mechanisms for funding the infrastructure, including the ‘Universal
Service’ fund to which service providers will contribute, as well as well‐designed public‐private
partnerships. It includes a review of the current policy, legislative and regulatory framework
and the governance arrangements that are in place. Policy focus areas include inter‐connection,
co‐location of infrastructure and spectrum management. Legislation will address the
modernisation of the Telecommunications Act, to take into account new and emerging services
and technologies such as IP TV. It will also address other legislative requirements to facilitate
the upgrade and efficient roll‐out of infrastructure to all communities. Collaboration with other
regional legislative and policy initiatives, for example, those administered by the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) can serve to significantly lower the cost of legislative drafting
and policy formulation by building on common approaches that may already exist. Finally, this
Programme will include a project which establishes a Point of Presence to connect with the
other countries in the region on the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network ‐ CKLN.
[22]