National ICT Strategic Plan Government of St Kitts and Nevis Executive Summary St. Kitts and Nevis St. Kitts and Nevis is an independent Federation with a parliamentary democracy based on the British model with Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom as the Head of State. It is the only Federation in the Caribbean. The Sugar Industry, which was once a major employer and contributor to the economy, has come to an end. Additionally, the September 11 terrorist attacks reverberated widely throughout the Caribbean, resulting in a major downturn during its high tourist season with St Kitts and Nevis being particularly hard hit. The country has met these challenges by rebuilding its tourism facilities and diversifying into other industries ranging from financial services, light manufacturing, specialized agriculture to electronics and informatics. As part of this economic diversification strategy, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis (GSTK&N) has also made a serious commitment to provide the framework whereby Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can become a lead sector of the economy of St Kitts and Nevis. It is the goal of the GSTK&N that within St Kitts and Nevis, Information and Communication Technologies would be used to the widest possible extent by all segments of society with a view to fostering, accelerating and sustaining the long-term social, cultural and economic development of the country. ICT in St Kitts and Nevis The GSTK&N, private sector and other stakeholders in the nation's development share a common belief that ICT can provide the foundation whereby a society can be built with equitable distribution of opportunity and knowledge. They also believe that it is a key determinant of the competitive advantage of nations. The National Strategic Plan seeks to present the composite Ministry of Finance, Sustainable Development, Information and Technology November, 2006 1