National ICT Strategic Plan Government of St Kitts and Nevis 2. Justice and legal system: St Kitts and Nevis has a well-developed, judicial and legal system in which fundamental human rights, civil liberties and respect for the rule of law are strongly upheld. 3. Social cohesion: A very high level of social cohesiveness characterises the two island’s populations. There is in place a network of social organisations (sports clubs, community clubs, interest groups and churches) that fosters this cohesiveness. 4. Social safety net: St Kitts and Nevis has a relatively comprehensive social safety net which caters to its citizens from birth to death. There are several agencies that execute this important work. 5. Education: St Kitts and Nevis, with a literacy rate over 90 per cent, possesses one of the most comprehensive educational systems in the developing world. Education is compulsory to age sixteen and free at the primary and secondary levels. Educational opportunities range from preschool to university education, and include vocational and technical training, as well as special schools for the mentally and physically challenged. 6. Macroeconomic stability: St Kitts and Nevis has an enviable record of macroeconomic stability as a result of prudent fiscal, and monetary policies. The EC Dollar dollar has maintained a fixed parity with the US dollar since 1975. There has also been a low and stable rate of inflation, relatively low unemployment and a reasonably equitable distribution of income. 7. Infrastructure: St Kitts and Nevis has a relatively well-developed infrastructure of public buildings, airport, seaport, road network, telecommunications, water, solid waste management, and electricity. 8. Competitive investment incentive regime: St Kitts and Nevis possesses a competitive regime for the attraction of foreign investment, especially in the area of international business services. Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development, Information and Technology November, 2006 9