4 POLICY STATEMENTS Each of these Policy Statements collectively contributes towards St. Lucia achieving its policy objectives and the National ICT Vision, thereby contributing towards the social, economic, cultural and human resource development of the country. 4.1 ICT Infrastructure a) Provide a level of ICT infrastructure that meets the needs of every community. b) Ensure ease of access to every individual in terms of time, distance and affordability. c) Ensure affordability of end devices. d) Ensure a high quality of service to all consumers. e) Develop innovative funding mechanisms. 4.2 Education a) Create an ICT environment in the education system that encourages creativity, innovation, critical thinking, communication, research and decision making. b) Establish the appropriate organizational structure and provide a professional development to plan, implement, manage and sustain the integration of ICT into the education system. c) Establish a regulatory framework for ICT to harmonize activities and approaches; and develop standards in the use of ICT in education. d) Provide all students with the requisite ICT skills for employment and the educational grounding for pursuing continuous learning and specialised training. e) Develop a teaching workforce in which all practitioners possess the requisite skills and competencies required to use ICT as a tool in enhancing the teaching / learning process. f) Create smart partnerships that provide for global collaboration, increased electronic networking and enhanced stakeholder participation. g) Use ICT to enhance management and administrative functions. vi