Barbados into a full-fledged information society, with a competitive information economy based on the innovative use of traditional, new and evolving ICTs. The National ICT strategic Plan of Barbados 2010-2012 is designed to bring together the disparate national efforts and to address such issues as interoperability, security, data protection and privacy concerns, technological neutrality, convergence, and public access. The Plan also articulates a clear strategic direction that will assist the development of projects within Government and the private sector. The objectives of the Plan are to create an efficiently networked island and deliver a wide range of information and services from both the public and private sectors to all citizens. In addition, it is intended to create an environment that stimulates entrepreneurial development and creativity, thereby widening the choice of economic activity, increasing the rate of economic growth while improving social services and deepening social cohesion and interaction. I am extremely pleased to be associated with this effort of presenting a road map which recognizes the importance of ICTs for the future development of Barbados. I am equally heartened by the fact that the Plan represents a continuation of the process started by the Government of Barbados in creating a medium for all citizens to work together on matters of national importance. As we move towards a greater regional economy it is imperative that we do not lose sight of the need to elevate our services and product delivery and we need to understand that Barbados and the rest of the region, even as small developing states, can attain a competitive edge that may be hard to beat; in fact it may be that our small size and our unique traditions may redound to our advantage. 3