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Whereas the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community, at their Twenty-Third Meeting in July 2002 in Georgetown, Guyana,
agreed that the formulation of policy in relation to Information and
Communication Technologies (ICTs) requires attention, direction and promotion at
the highest level;
We the Ministers of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), responsible
for Information and Communication Technology, Conscious of the technological
revolution, which is largely underpinning the forces of globalisation and
rapidly defining a new liberalised world economy that is based on capacity to
access knowledge, far reaching connectivity and improved flows of information;
Conscious also of current international trade arrangements and
processes existing at the global and hemispheric levels, at the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) respectively,
international cooperation and collaboration for the exploitation of digital
opportunities and strengthening efforts for the information society;
Bearing in mind disparities in cost and access to ICT, within and
among CARICOM countries, the challenge of widening divisions between those
states, enterprises and persons that are able to take advantage of opportunities
in the use of digital technologies and those states that are not so able, the
expanding "digital divide", exploitation of digital opportunities and
strengthening efforts for the information society;
Aware that the right of all persons to communicate and to have access
to information and the means of communication, including telecommunication and
networks, co-existing with respect for life, private property, privacy,
intellectual property, confidentiality and security are fundamental to the
general welfare of the Community;
Mindful of the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
in sustaining the mission of regional integration, success in the creation of a
vibrant CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), new employment opportunities,
transformation of our societies, encouraging the development of our content
industries, promoting and protecting all of our cultures and their rich
diversity, generally securing future regional prosperity and the transformation
of our societies;
Recognising the CARICOM mandate for development of trade, the services
sector in the Region, including the development of micro-enterprises, the
utilisation of E-Commerce, and development of the appropriate statistical
frameworks to support that work;
Recognising too the need for an agenda that is concerned with ensuring
a comprehensive CARICOM Connectivity regime that strives to achieve maximum
benefits of ICT for the Region=s peoples, and for sustaining economic growth and
social development, especially in areas of governance, empowerment, poverty
reduction, investment and resource support and widespread access to training and
resources;
Noting the progressive liberalisation of telecommunications in the
Region and also that in an increasingly liberalised and globalised environment,
the requirement that telecommunication be provided on a competitive and fair
basis;
Noting further the interests and concerns of various stakeholders
within the new and traditional ICT sector, and the efforts of various public and
private sector bodies in the Region;
Taking into account initiatives already being taken by individual
Member States, by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) sub
regional group, and initiatives of other regional and international bodies;
HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
That CARICOM States adopt a coordinated approach to conceptualisation and
development of ICT policies, and development of structural, legal and regulatory
frameworks, to stimulate and promote broader access to and use of information
and communication technology by the populations of the Region, and the transfer
of technology;
That there be established a specialised Group charged with responsibility
for ICT within the CARICOM Working Group on Services, established under the
aegis of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED);
That the CARICOM Secretariat, in conjunction with partner institutions and
agencies in the Region, including relevant tertiary institutions, provide
technical support for the Working Group to enable it to fulfill its mandate,
especially in relation to the development, adoption and maintenance of global
standards, regulations and the facilitation of development of efficiencies of
small, medium and micro enterprises;
That the ICT specialised Group report to and advise the Council for Trade
and Economic Development (COTED) of CARICOM, and the Conference of Heads of
Government, on the facilitation of training, research and technological transfer
supported by the work of the CARICOM Secretariat;
That over the next two (2) years, commencing the 7th day of February, 2003
the CARICOM ICT specialised Group shall work in collaboration with the
appropriate regional and sub regional agencies and organisations and consult
with international bodies and organisations, to ensure the development and
maintenance of a programme to support the CARICOM ICT/Connectivity Agenda, and
adherence to the principles of universal access, for the benefit of the Region,
with a mid-term review to assess progress and guide further action.
Dated this 7th day of February, 2003
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