pave the way for two-way/multi-way interaction that supports effective implementation based on transparency and openness. The world is in the midst of rapid transformation and the revolution in digital ICTs is creating dramatic shifts in traditional activities. Opportunity is everywhere whilst competition is fierce. Threats are numerous and markets are unforgiving. Relationships are complex. Nevertheless, collaboration is possible and success for small-island states is achievable. The ability of nations to manage the challenges and exploit the opportunities of this new age will depend heavily on their ability to understand the digital information and communications revolution and adapt their people, institutions, systems, laws, policies and processes to respond to what is truly a changed global environment. This Plan will help to mobilise the nation of Barbados – its people, its public and private sectors, and its civil society – towards innovative thinking and imaginative action in response to the opportunities and threats that are a part of the new digital age. II. SITUATION ANALYSIS The Government of Barbados has recognized that with technology as an enabler, the provision of services to its citizens both at home and abroad could be revolutionized. To date there has been a relatively disparate application of ICT projects in both the public and private sectors without a clearly enunciated national goal of developing an information society and a knowledge based economy. The National ICT Strategy is designed to address this issue in a holistic sense. It is designed to integrate disparate national efforts and establish the need to 11