ANNEX 1: The Planning Approach The approach utilised in the development of the National ICT Policy and Action Plan is summarised in the diagram below. The eVolution© methodology begins with the development of the National ICT Policy and Vision. It then assesses the state of e‐readiness of St. Lucia and benchmarks the country against specifically chosen countries. The NICT strategy is then crafted in an integrated manner through the development of programmes and projects which give effect to the policy and vision. The entire strategy development process is done using Working Groups (WGs) made up of key stakeholders from all sectors of the society. These WGs were organised to support key areas of focus, namely: 1. Infrastructure 5. Government 2. Agriculture 6. Health 3. Community Development & Social Services 7. Business 8. Tourism 4. Education In essence, St. Lucia’s National ICT Strategy is a plan to facilitate measurable levels of improvement in social and economic wealth at an individual, organisational, and national level. It has been crafted by local Working Groups to facilitate the achievement of St. Lucia’s National Development goals and to promote national prosperity and well being. [49]