CONNECT BELIZE – BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE The Connect Belize program will ensure that all Belizeans have equal access to ICTs by implementing initiatives that expand broadband connectivity to communities and homes in both urban and rural Belize and bridge the digital divide by ensuring that adequate facilities for access is within the reach of persons. This program will bring the benefit of ICTs into all segments of the population, especially to people who are disadvantaged due to education, age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, and/or those living in remote regions. national cohesion and state building. As a result, there is clearly a movement toward changes in the areas of public administration and governance systems and institutions in most of the world today. Increased emphasis on good governance has generated greater demands from citizens for effective participatory and governance structures and services. There are rising demands as well for access to public information, which has Good governance is high on many countries direct implications for ICT development agenda, including Belize, premised on applications in the governance the belief that it is a prerequisite for improved domain. Indeed, the role of ICTs in national socio-economic performance as well as enhancing good governance is becoming an issue of critical ANTIGUA & BARBUDA importance as democratization gains ground around the world. Three major programs will be implemented over the period as follows: • The connect Rural Belize initiative, • Mobile Computer classrooms give Antigua’s public school students access to computer technology and Wi-Fi. Source: http://www.tropos.com/news/pressreleases/20 07_11_29.php Belize ICT National Strategy The Community Access Center (Telecenters) initiative, • The ICT awareness, and promotion and ICT education for communities initiative 51