News

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) was officially launched on Tuesday, 14th May, 2024, at the National Insurance Services' headquarters in Kingstown.

The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project is being implemented in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through funding from the World Bank. The project is comprised of regional and national-level activities and financed by the World Bank International Development Association (IDA) loan of approximately US$94 million. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the loan amount is US$30 million. The project commenced in June 2020 and is expected to be completed in June 2026.

This initiative is designed to integrate modern technology across all government sectors and services, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and engagement between the public sector and our regional and local community.

The project has four components – Digital Enabling Environment, Digital Platforms and Services, Digital Skills and Technology Adoption and Project Management. The project has a myriad of activities to be executed under each component. In addition to the Digital Enabling Environment activities undertaken on behalf of the participating countries by the OECS Commission and which primarily address: Digital Skills Market Assessment and Cross-cutting Policy, Legal and Regulatory Issues in Telecommunications, Digital Financial Services, Data Protection and Privacy as well as Cybersecurity.

This Digital Transformation Project seeks to create a new experience for all involved by:

Digital Environment

1. Establishment of a CSIRT – Computer Security Incidence Response Team.

Digital Government Infrastructure, Platforms, and Services

1. Development of Digital Economy Transformation Strategy and Action Plan.
2. Development of Standards, Protocols and a Continuity of Operations Plan.
3. Digital Infrastructure strengthening – Establishment of a Government Datacenter.
4. Establishment of an Integrated E-Payment Platform for the Government.
5. Implementation of an Electronic Document and Records Management System and strengthening of the Digital Signature Infrastructure.
6. Upgrading and integration of the Civil Registry and ID systems – Establishment of a Digital/Electronic ID.
7. Establishment for a One-stop-shop for Customs Clearance (this is currently under implementation).
8. Implementation of a new Tax Information Management System (implementation will commence soon).
9. Establishment of a One-stop-shop for Land and Property Transactions.
10. System integration of priority services - Drivers’ License, Passport, Business Registration, Motor Vehicle Registration, Customs & Excise Tax, Civil Registration and Identification Services. This includes the establishment of a Government Web/Mobile portal to provide access to these services.
11. Provision of capacity-building and training support to the core agencies involved in the project.

Digital Skills and Technology Adoption

1. Rollout of a Digital Skills Training Programme to facilitate employment opportunities in digitally enabled professions.
2. Rollout of a Digital Technology Adoption Programme to increase the adoption of Digital Technologies, Platforms and Digitally Enabled Business Models by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Some of the main components of the project are:

• A single window for Trade Transactions
• A single window for Land and Property Transactions
• E-Tax
• E-Payments
• Data Protection
• E-Government Architecture
• Cybersecurity
• Unique Indentifier

SOURCE: SVG Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) & Information Technology Services Division (ITSD)