Almost two years into its implementation, the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) continues to build on the objective of enhancing the use of technology, building a robust and resilient information technology infrastructure and developing modern platforms for business transactions across the Eastern Caribbean.

Launched since November 2020, the project is timed for completion in 2025 and is being implemented in islands of St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica.

According to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), “CARDTP pursues one key objective which is to accelerate digital transformation by increasing access to digital services, technologies and skills by governments, businesses and individuals.”

The World Bank also said that with the digital economy expected to account for at least 25 per cent of the global economy by 2025, “digital transformation is and must be, a fundamental part of the agenda for the Eastern Caribbean and its economic recovery.”

Through multiple components the project, mainly financed by the World Bank Group, is primarily being implemented by the Government of Dominica in partnership with OECS, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL), the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (Caricom IMPACS) and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU). The project’s key elements spans digital infrastructure, digital platform, digital financial services, digital skills, and digital businesses.

It seek to double down on digital technologies and the solutions they offer as it moves to strengthen the islands integration with that of the global digital economy by expanding markets, driving the sustainability of businesses, government, and individuals. The development objectives, should therefore contribute to increased access to digital connectivity, digital public services and the creation of technology enabled businesses and jobs in territories such as Dominica.

“In small island countries such as those in the Eastern Caribbean region, Dominica in particular, the resilience of governments has a very direct impact on the resilience of society at large.

“In keeping with the mission of building back better and more resilient, the ability to have a more resilient digital infrastructure is achievable through the much-needed project. The Government of Dominica is therefore committed to creating an enabling environment in order for the citizenry to take advantage of the opportunities that will be created by this project, through the creation of jobs and career paths,” the Government of Dominica said.

Acting managing director of ECTEL Cheryl Hector Fontenelle said she believes that CARDTP will improve the lives of the people of the OECS noting that as the regional regulator for electronic communications, the ECTEL views its role” as pivotal in ensuring a firm foundation for the digital transformation of our economies.”