Countries around the world are leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the push towards socio-economic development. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) has identified ICT as one of seven inter-connected pillars for sustainable national development. It is envisioned that ICT will connect Trinidad and Tobago and play a pivotal role in building a new economy.

The intention is to leverage ICT to enhance delivery of government services to citizens. . ICT will also serve as an enabler for improving service delivery, increasing productivity and securing a competitive advantage for Trinidad and Tobago in regional and international markets.

In this future, ICT-enabled government services will be complemented by one-stop service centres. The private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will participate in and benefit from the delivery of these services. ICT will increasingly be incorporated into the delivery of education, health, food production and other services essential to national development. It will be an important facet in the daily lives of citizens, spurring innovation, providing opportunity and facilitating development for all.

It is against this backdrop that the new National ICT Plan for Trinidad and Tobago has been drafted. The National ICT Plan is a comprehensive five-year strategy that was informed by needs and priorities identified by people of Trinidad and Tobago in a broad consultative process. The Plan draws from the Singapore experience in national ICT planning, eGovernment and building one of the most connected nations in the world. It also leverages Trinidad and Tobago’s experience in pioneering a National ICT Plan in 2002 – an achievement that has positioned the country as one of the Caribbean’s leading e-Governments implementations. With increasing computerization within the Government and business sectors, and with continual enhancement of the ICT infrastructure, the country is now well-poised to transform Government service delivery. The stage is set for Trinidad and Tobago to leverage its ICT investments for economic and social development.