****Source News Editor, Caribbean New No, Dec 01, 2022
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) signed a memorandum of understanding at CARICAD’s Bridgetown offices.
The Caribbean-based organisations operate in the space of capacity-building across the region and not only share several member states but also focus on key concepts such as public sector transformation.
In his remarks at the signing, Executive Director of CARICAD, Devon Rowe reaffirmed CARICAD’s belief that the transformation concept is cross-cutting, multi-faceted, and not focused on a single subject or issue. He stated, “We are pleased to collaborate with the CTU, which shares a similar mandate and has the technical capabilities CARICAD does not need to duplicate. Working together, I am sure we will be able to accomplish a lot more and look forward to a long and fruitful closer collaboration.”
In echoing Mr Rowe’s sentiments, Secretary-General Rodney Taylor expressed, “We are both institutions of CARICOM, and there is a natural synergy that we have always had. There can be no meaningful digital transformation without a focus on reengineering outdated business processes and changing mindsets around public service delivery with an emphasis on citizen-centric services”.
While CARICAD is responsible for public service reforms for 21st Century Government, the CTU informs ICT policy at the national and regional levels and helps governments develop strategies for implementing digital platforms.
CARICAD’s 21st Century Government concept aims to transform the public service to support sustainable and resilient development. A key contributor to success is the development of robust digital government, which is an essential part of public administration.
Digital Government is expected to transform public service operations, responsiveness, credibility, and performance and create a more meaningful relationship between the government and citizens. COVID-19 and its aftermath require that the pace of implementation of digital arrangements in Government must be increased.
The CTU’s complementary 21st Century Government initiative aims to improve service quality, promote transparent and efficient interaction, enhance public trust in government, and drive better citizen experience. The CTU and CARICAD are committed to working collaboratively to establish 21st Century Caribbean Governments in the region.
