KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Authority has been officially established to provide a single authoritative voice and framework to improve ICT service delivery across the public sector.

This was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a media release on Wednesday. The ICT will be operational effective Wednesday, April 2.

“We are excited about the potential of the ICT Authority to transform the public sector’s ICT landscape,” said Senator Audrey Marks, who is the newly appointed minister of efficiency, innovation and digital transformation.

“This new entity will play a critical role in driving our national digital transformation agenda through the use and application of ICTs to realise cost savings and enhanced efficiency across the public sector and improving the lives of Jamaicans, by ensuring a more responsive and effective government,” she continued.

Established by the ICT Authority Act (2019), the ICT Authority is a statutory body with a broadened mandate to include developing and implementing a national ICT strategy that aligns with Jamaica’s overall development goals; establishing and enforcing ICT policies, standards and guidelines to ensure effective and efficient use of ICT resources across government; providing shared ICT services to government ministries, departments and agencies, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing service delivery; and driving digital transformation across the government and by extension the wider society, through initiatives such as e-government services, ICT consultancy and coordination.

According to the OPM, the establishment of the ICT Authority will change the culture of ICT service delivery in the public sector, streamline ICT spend, drive efficiency and innovation, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication and improve service delivery.

“Through its products, projects and emphasis on shared services, the new entity will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and efficiency, ensuring that the government leverages technology to drive national development, improve ICT governance and improve the quality of life for all Jamaicans,” the OPM said.