1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 services resulting from the demand-side initiatives Whilst promoting the strengthening of competition in the local telecoms market, strive to attain synergies and optimize connectivity among major information networks to reduce interconnection costs and broaden network access Partner with the key players in the telecoms industry to produce a regular inventory of the best telecommunications technologies in order to optimize ICT-access costs Development of an ICT infrastructure which encourages and supports an E-commerce web presence for other agencies, private sector enterprises and key productive sectors and facilitates security and other innovations to enhance their quality of service Renewal and revision of the Information and Communications Technology policy framework which supports the achievement of national aspirations for technological efficiency, effectiveness and international competitiveness Formulation of a comprehensive collaborative framework to ensure cost effective solutions for the wider utilization of ICTs across Government Ministries, the private sector and civil society Transformation of Barbados into a major ICT services destination for Caribbean and global traffic Ensure new technologies are embedded in the infrastructure so that broadband access for multimedia content i.e voice, data and video are accessible to every citizen by designing and implementing an architecture which supports affordable access to homes and wireless community access via broadband Develop several international gateways with diversity, in technology, geography and connectivity, for survivability to ensure that Barbados becomes a regional and international hub for integration into global economy creating links to global markets Develop projects that are compatible with and can leverage the nation‟s current telecommunication infrastructure Maintenance of continuous improvement of the quality of the local telecommunications infrastructure Continuous review of taxes on all computer hardware and software as well as replacement parts bearing in mind the World Trade Organisation‟s definition on computer manufacturing parts Promotion of the use of international standards in the provision of ICT services Design and implementation of programmes to help the elderly, disadvantaged persons and persons with disabilities to access appropriate ICT equipment and services Revamping of current arrangements for regulating telecommunications and broadcasting to address the challenge of convergence of technology 34