An assessment of the territory’s broadband infrastructure is set to be completed in 2023 as part of the government’s digital transformation strategy.
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure during his 2023 Budget Address as he highlighted the importance of the initiative which he says complement’s his government’s e-government agenda.
“A review of legacy technology is underway; assessments of the broadband capacity, availability and access throughout the Virgin Islands will be completed in 2023; and the digitization of systems and records will also commence in the new year. These initiatives will help us to advance our plans, so that persons can stay in the convenience of their homes and transact business with government offices, so that we can increase the efficiency of service delivery, and find savings,” he explained.
Premier Wheatley pointed to some of the e-government initiatives that have since been completed, adding that others are in progress to be rolled out soon.
“As we reform the systems and processes within government activities, we will continue to press forward with our digital transformation agenda. Some government services such as those of the Social Security Board and NHI are already accessible online. More government departments and services will be coming on board shortly,” he said.
Just days prior to the budget address, the Premier’s Office revealed plans for a great technological and legislative advancement in 2023.
This was made evident during a recent presentation by Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, as she revealed the office’s top priorities for the new year.
Stoutt Igwes spoke specifically to the vision for the departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Immigration, Sustainable Development and the VI Shipping Registry.
“We are going to be launching online payments as part of the pilot project with the Department of Information Technology for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Security within the signing of the MOU for the sharing of intelligence of member states of the Caribbean Community now expected within a week, the next step would be to bring into force the advanced passenger information system act early in the new year… we will have a launch of additional modules on the Border Management System that will see the introduction of a small vessel and aircraft clearance portal and online embarkation and debarkation cards, commonly known as ED Cards”, she said.