Sources As Strategy) Programs We Will Accelerate the Inputs and Markets to Absorb the Outputs Are Creation of a More Prosperous Future for Required for Success

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ...... 4

An Introduction to Belize ...... 10 Geographical and Population Distribution ...... 10 Economy ...... 14

National ICT Strategy Background ...... 16 ICT Strategy and National Socio-Economic Development ...... 16

ICT Strategy Methodology ...... 21 Belize’s Approach to ICT Strategy Development ...... 21

The Current State – ICT in Belize 2011 ...... 23 e-Readiness Defined ...... 23 Belize’s Technology Penetration ...... 25 Internet Affordability in Belize ...... 26 Internet Access in Belize ...... 27 ICT Education in Belize ...... 28 ICT in the Belizean Workforce ...... 29 ICT in Government of Belize ...... 30 ICT in Belizean Commerce ...... 34 ICT in Belizean Businesses ...... 35 ICT Legal Framework in Belize ...... 36 ICT Trade Policy and Regulations in Belize ...... 37 Telecommunications Policy in Belize ...... 38 Conclusion ...... 39

Belize National ICT Strategy 2011 - 2016 ...... 40 National ICT Vision ...... 40 Enhancing and Harmonizing the National Telecommunication Infrastructure ...... 44 Enhancing Education Using Ict ...... 46 Developing the eCommerce Infrastructure ...... 47 Connect Belize – Bridging the Digital Divide ...... 51 Creating Jobs – Developing the local ICT Industry ...... 55 Modernizing the Public Sector Using ICT ...... 59 Summary of Key Programs ...... 62

Belize ICT National Strategy 2

Governance ...... 65 Financing the National Strategy ...... 65 National ICT Strategy Implementation Approach ...... 68 Proposed ICT Governance Structure ...... 69 The National Program Unit ...... 71 The Government Ops Center Unit ...... 71 The e-Government Unit ...... 73 The Manpower Development Unit ...... 73 The E-Procurement and Financing Unit ...... 74 Critical Success Factors ...... 75

Appendix ...... 76 Appendix A - Acknowledgements ...... 76 Appendix B – Road Map ...... 80

Belize ICT National Strategy 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Belize is poised to make a quantum leap in two ways. Firstly, it can be used as a in all areas of national development by productive sector in and of itself, mainly for exploiting the power of Information and the creation of jobs and the addition of Communication Technologies (ICT). knowledge-based exports. The sectoral Through the implementation of this approach focuses on developing a country’s National Information and Communications economy by using ICT as a production sector; Technology Strategy’s (National ICT hence, in short term the human resources as Strategy) programs we will accelerate the inputs and markets to absorb the outputs are creation of a more prosperous future for required for success. Both of these are all Belizeans. addressed through numerous strategies for industry promotion, incentives for investors, ICTs have transformed the world, and the training and development of human lives of millions in every faucet of life all resources etc. The output of such efforts around the world. The way we would be the creation of at least 5,000 new communicate, interact, learn, do business, jobs via the development of cyberparks and take care of our health, socialize and care research and technology centers that will also for each other are all influenced by ICT. In harness new technologies that could spin off so many dimensions the transformation into other productive sectors as well. Belize enabled by ICTs have been breathtaking. has already attracted more than 1,000 new Belize deserves and demands nothing jobs in this sector with very little proactive less. This National ICT Strategy outlines assistance and incentives to this industry. the path to accelerated development for Secondly, ICT can also be of enormous all Belizeans though leveraging the power benefit to the socio-economic development of of ICTs. It places Information and a country as an enabler of such development. Communication Technologies at the This approach focuses on the long term goals center of Belize’s social and economic and objectives of the country which obviously development as a dynamic industry sector should lead to an more economically in itself, and in support of the prosperous Belize. Here the country needs to development of other sectors of Belize. take up the challenge of raising, feeding, ICT can be of enormous benefit to the educating and providing economic socio-economic development of a country opportunity for all of its population; thereby

Belize ICT National Strategy 4 satisfying the 18 targets set out under the nutritional information and rural young eight Millennium Development Goals. The people can access a high school targets set out by Horizon 2030 are also education online; clearly in line with this Strategy. In order • Enhancing Education – by creating for this to be realized, many cross-cutting attractive multimedia based curricula and strategies across various sectors are pedagogy and developing distance devised keeping in view ICT as a means education modalities; for improving the efficiency of planning, • Enhancing efficient production and executing and monitoring of the projects business processes – by developing e- for that sector. This enabling approach commerce activities, particularly for Small occurs when ICT is diffused into masses at and Medium Enterprises and for Micro- all levels enabling maximization of enterprises; benefits and welfare. In Belize’s case the • Modernizing the delivery of public sectoral approach should be combined services – by putting more public services with the diffusion or enabler approach to online, increasing revenue collection, and maximize benefits of economic growth in increasing efficiency though the shared the short term without trading-off the delivery of public services; sustainability of the same in longer run. • Reliability of data collected and The ICT vision and strategy should focus disseminated in all sectors for better on people and not just on technology. For planning – by promoting the creation of a this to happen, it is important to develop national statistical information both the ICT vision and strategy with management system promoting better people in mind and with the involvement sharing and validation of data being of these very same people. produced by governmental and civil Major outputs from utilizing both of the society agencies according to above approaches include the following: internationally acceptable standards; • Job creation in the ICT sector – by the • Increasing access – particularly to creating at least 5,000 new jobs in the rural areas though, for example, the ICT industry through the creation of use of stationary and mobile cyberparks and technology centers. telecenters so that teachers in each village can enhance their educational This strategy has been developed through qualifications on-line, rural women can wide consultation with and participation of have ready access to health and the public and private sector, academia, civil

Belize ICT National Strategy 5 society representatives, and NGO’s in security services and the threat of increasing Belize (see Appendix A for the list of competition at a blinding rate to our participants). It builds on the successes businesses. from across Belize and other countries in Driven by the overall national development leveraging ICTs for national development. outcomes identified in Horizon 2030, the Significant gains are currently being made National ICT Strategy identifies the National by public and private sector organizations, ICT Outcomes needed for accelerated academia and civil society in utilizing ICT development, the two major Goals that will be for improved effectiveness and focused on, the six strategic Imperatives that efficiencies. However the need to must be addressed and the six major accelerate development in all areas has Programs and twenty eight never been more urgent than now as Initiatives/Projects recommended for Belize faces challenges and opportunities implementation that will be executed over the of increased global competition, the need five year period of the Strategy. A snapshot of for economic diversification, rapidly the interconnected components of the evolving citizens’ needs, ever increasing strategy is presented in Figure 1: demands on health, education and

Figure 1 – Interconnected Components of the Strategy

Belize ICT National Strategy 6

The National ICT Strategy presents a by anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and Vision that focuses on Accelerated through any media and device, and secondly development and improved quality of life Widespread ICT usage in every aspect of for all Belizeans through universal access national development including security & and widespread usage of Information and crime reduction, improving health care, Communication Technology. improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Government, developing competitive Accelerated development that is businesses and building new industries. empowered by ICTs will become a reality by putting Information and The achievement of these goals will come Communication Technologies (ICT) at the about by addressing six major Objectives over center of Belize’s social and economic the next five years. These objectives are the development as a dynamic industry sector heart of the strategy: in itself (as a sector), and in support of the • Open ICT – Creating a vibrant, development of other sectors of the competitive and open telecommunication economy (as an enabler) in order to industry that enables the availability and foster, accelerate and sustain long-term accessibility of quality and affordable social, cultural and economic telecommunication services to development of the country. consumers and fostering social and This is the Mission of the National ICT economic benefits to the country; strategy. It will be executed through a • ICT In Education - Infusing all aspects of collaborative and participative approach the education systems with ICTs for that involves the Government of Belize improved delivery and learning, and (GOB), along with the private sector, civil improved access to education by all; society and international development • ICT in E-Commerce – Creating a well partners. Together, though a leadership developed ICT services sector and driving driven governance approach, the national the adoption and usage of ICT in all ICT strategy will be aggressively dimensions of business operations to implemented. create competitive advantage at the

The National ICT Strategy envisions that business and country levels; accelerating national development will be • eInclusion – Bringing the benefit of ICTs empowered by pursuing two major goals. into all segments of the population, Firstly Universal Access to ICTs, ensuring including people who are disadvantaged ICT accessibility, acceptance and usability due to education, age, gender, income,

Belize ICT National Strategy 7

disabilities,ethnicity, and/or those ICTs, to meet the evolving needs of the living in remote regions; people of Belize and create a safe • Job Creation through local ICT Industry society. Development – Creating at least Each major objective consists of key 5,000 new jobs through the Programs and Projects (Initiatives) that will be development of the local ICT Industry; implemented with relentless passion. The six • Acclerating eGovernment - key Programs are identified below with Significantly improve the performance details of the Projects/Initiatives in the body of government through the usage of of the strategy.

OBJECTIVE PROGRAMS

Enhancing and Harmonizing the National Open ICT Telecommunication Infrastructure

ICT in Education Developing ICT in Education

ICT for e-Commerce Developing ICT for e-Commerce

e-Inclusion Connect Belize: Bridging the Digital Divide

Job Creation Through Local ICT Creating Jobs Through the Development of the Local Industry ICT Industry

Acclerating eGovernment Modernizing the Public Sector Using ICT

Implementation of the National ICT government in building out infrastructure, in Strategy is outlined as a planned and developing Belize’s human resources, in collaborative approach. Public/Private providing jobs and in taking on development partnerships will be pursued as the modus activities. Integral to the implementation operandi of strategy implementation. The process will be: role of the international development and • GOB’s leadership and (along with the funding communities will also be actively private sector, foreign investors and its promoted, particularly in terms of the international partners) the commitment transfer of information, benchmarking and of resources; keeping abreast of developments in the • Smart partnerships with key sectors from sector. private sector, civil society, foreign GOB will encourage the private sector, civil investors and the international society and international development development agencies; agencies working in Belize to partner with Belize ICT National Strategy 8

• The involvement of all stakeholders in implementing the ICT Strategy under the the execution and the continuing direction of an ICT Cabinet Committee development of the action plan to chaired by the Minister of the Public Service accompany this National ICT Strategy; or his designee and comprised of GOB, • Rigorous pursuit of outcomes outlined private sector, civil society and international within the Strategy. partners. The Department also expects to be able to finance the ICT Strategy through the The National ICT Strategy will also seek to creation of a Universal Access Fund financed attract local and foreign investors and through a levy on the telecommunications development grants through various and cable company sectors to meet the goals investment packages and incentives, of increased ICT access and usage, which in sufficient workspace with supporting turn will increase revenues to these sectors. technology infrastructure, as well as a pool of trained workers and professional Today Belize makes a quantum leap. The staff. Potential investors and development future is within reach, and through strong agencies will be aggressively targeted leadership and the pursuit of the goals and through a focused promotional strategy. objectives identified, the vision of accelerated development and the improved quality of life A centralized GOB ICT Department will be for all can become reality. created under the direction of a Chief Technology Officer. It will be charged with

Belize ICT National Strategy 9

AN INTRODUCTION TO BELIZE

GEOGRAPHICAL AND POPULATION DISTRIBUTION

Located on the Caribbean coast of Central The western border consists of lowland America, Belize combines both Caribbean forest, highland plateau and the Maya and Latin characteristics. The country is mountains in the south. Most rivers rise in located at 17°15' north of the equator and the west of the country and flow eastwards 88°45' west of the Prime Meridian on the to the sea through low-lying, often swampy, Yucatán Peninsula. It borders the Caribbean coastal plains. About 60% of the country is Sea to the east, with 386 km of coastline. It covered by forest containing an abundance has a total of 516 km of land borders— of fauna and flora. Larger scale agriculture, Mexico to the north-northwest (250 km) and involving bananas, citrus and sugar cane, is Guatemala to the south-southwest concentrated in the low-lying areas. (266 km). Belize's total size is 22,960 km², Elsewhere, most cultivation is small-scale of which 22,800 km² is land and 160 km² and largely for subsistence. The Mayan is water. This makes the country about population and rural Guatemalan migrants twice the size of Jamaica, about half the employ variations of slash-and-burn shifting size of Nova Scotia, slightly larger than forms of cultivation. Wales, and slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Belize ICT National Strategy 10

Administratively, Belize is split into Figure 2 – Political/Administrative Map of Belize six districts (see Figure 2), which, from north to south, are Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo . The northernmost district, Corozal (with a population of 40,354 according to the 2010 census), has a common border with Mexico and is predominantly Mestizo and Spanish-speaking. The main economic activities are the cultivation of sugar cane and the Corozal Free Zone (CFZ) on the border with Mexico.

Orange Walk (with a population of 45,419), immediately to the south is based around the town of the same name. Its economy is also dominated Source: http://www.ezilon.com/maps/north-america/belize- by sugar cane, although small scale maps.html agriculture prevails in the western the country’s population. Satellite settlements areas and potatoes, onions and soy extend outward along the main roads but the district beans are grown for sale. Orange also contains several rural villages along the Belize Walk contains several Mayan River. The topography is almost entirely low-lying and cultural sites, and like Corozal, it is often swampy. It has a major Mayan site at Altun Ha predominantly Mestizo and Spanish- but the main tourist attractions are the Cayes. speaking. Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Cayes, has as its Belize district (with a total population capital the town of San Pedro, which is developing of 89,247 according to the 2010 rapidly as one of Belize’s largest urban centers (with Census) is dominated by the city of a population of 11,510 according to the 2010 Belize which contains around 17.1% Census). Two thirds of the country’s Creole (or about 53,352 inhabitants (Belizeans who are predominantly of African according to the 2010 Census) of descent) population lives in this district.

Belize ICT National Strategy 11

Cayo is the largest district in terms of land area further south along the coastline, and second largest in terms of population includes the developing tourist (72,899 according to the 2010 Census). It settlement of Placencia, several Garifuna contains Belmopan, the administrative capital villages, notably Hopkins, as well as the of the country, as well as the twin towns of San larger town of Dangriga. The population is Ignacio/ Santa Elena, and the large Mennonite split approximately equally between the enclave at Spanish Lookout. It also hosts Creoles, Garifuna and Mestizo. It is the several eco-tourism establishments aimed at country’s major producer of bananas and capitalizing on the largely unspoilt forest area citrus fruits, mostly cultivated in large populated by a wide range of plant, animal and plantations. Several shrimp processing bird species, and proximity to several important enterprises have been established in the old Mayan sites, including Tikal across the coastal parts of the district. border in Guatemala. The main road to Finally, Toledo, the southernmost district Guatemala crosses this district at Benque Viejo (with a population of 30,538 according to del Carmen. the 2010 Census), is the centre of Stann Creek District (with a population of Belize’s Mayan population as well as the 31,166 according to the 2010 Census), located most rural of the districts. Villages here tend to be smaller and more dispersed People of Belize than in the rest of the country, where

many are located along the major roads.

There are small concentrations of

Garifuna and East Indians with the former

mostly found in coastal villages. It

produces significant proportions of the

Source: "The Garífuna: Weaving a Future From a Tangled Past," country’s rice, corn and peas, almost September 2001, National Geographic magazine Photograph by Susie Post Rust entirely from small holdings. In the last few years, cacao production has increased substantially. Traditionally, Toledo has been the poorest and most rural district in the country, partly due to its peripheral location relative to the rest

Source: www.fullgospeltemple.com of the country’s administrative, commercial and tourist centers.

Belize ICT National Strategy 12

Figure 3 below shows the population distribution of the districts according the Belize 2010 Household and Population Census.

Figure 3 – Urban/Rural Population Distribution, Belize 2010 Census

2010

Total Urban Rural

Belize 89,247 65,042 24,205

Cayo 72,899 36,152 36,747

Orange Walk 45,419 13,400 32,019

Stann Creek 32,166 9,096 23,070

Corozal 40,354 20,254 20,100

Toledo 30,538 15,384 15,154

Total 312,698 138,796 171,827

Source: Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

Belize ICT National Strategy 13

ECONOMY

The economy of Belize is multi-faceted, with major sectors being agriculture (citrus, sugar, bananas), fisheries, manufacturing (including petroleum) and tourism, as well as the financial and trade infrastructure (tertiary sector). The general structure of the economy is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

Figure 4: GDP by Activity (in $Millions BZE)

2010 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 (Three Quarters Only) GDP at constant 2000 2163.1 2263.8 2291.3 2339.0 2376.9 1843.0 market prices

Primary Industries 382.4 358.1 283.9 258.8 277.9 179.1 (Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing)

Secondary Industries 315.9 395.8 404.9 463.4 505.5 388.4 (Manufacturing, Electricity, Water, Construction)

Tertiary Industries 1,172.7 1,192.5 1,250.1 1,285.8 1275.8 996.5 (Wholesale and Retail Trade, Hotels and Restaurants, Transport and Communications, Other Private Services, Producers of Government Services)

All Industries at Basic Prices 1,878.0 1,955.4 1,949.4 2005.8 2061.3 1592.8

Taxes less subsidies on 285.1 308.3 337.2 333.2 315.7 248.2 products

Source: Central Bank of Belize 2009 Annual Report and the Statistical Institute of Belize

Figure 4 above shows the distribution of GDP by activity, while Figure 5 on the following page shows that Belize’s economy is primarily based on services which account for over half of GDP with agriculture now accounting for little over 10% of GDP. The share of secondary industries has increased since 2005 with the exploitation of oil reserves.

Belize ICT National Strategy 14

Figure 5: Percentage Contribution of GPP per Sector

Sectoral 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Distributional Constant 2000 GDP (%)

Primary 14.4% 13.3% 16.9% 18.1% 18.1% 16.2 12.8% 11.1% 11.7% Activities

Secondary 17.2% 17.2% 15.2% 15.1% 14.6% 17.5 17.7% 19.8% 21.3% Activities

Tertiary 57.6% 56.2% 53.7% 57.8% 58.7% 57.5% 59.9% 55.0% 53.7% Activities

Source: Central Bank of Belize 2009 Annual Report

As shown in Figure 6 below, GDP/capita in constant dollars over the ten year period 2000-2010 has increased by approximately 21.4%. The population has increased by about 30% during that same period. Therefore, GDP/capita growth has not kept up with population growth in this decade.

Figure 6 – GDP Per Capita (2000-2010) in US$

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

GDP per Capita $6,656 $6,786 $7,198 $7,212 $7,466 $7,637 current US$

Population 240,204 257,000 264,000 274,000 279,000 283,000

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

GDP per Capita $8,060 $8,212 $8,531 $8,500 $8,400 current US$

Population 287,000 292,00 300,000 310,000 312.698

Source: International Monetary Fund, the CIA Factbook and the Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

Belize ICT National Strategy 15

NATIONAL ICT STRATEGY BACKGROUND

ICT STRATEGY AND NATIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Information and Communication Technology enhancing education and health care, improve (ICT) has emerged as one of the biggest service delivery, refine policy formulation and revolutions of recent times. The Net revolution implementation, empower citizens, and has ushered in enormous possibilities for increase business opportunities for the private leveraging technology not only to enhance sector. productivity and efficiency but also to develop The catalyst for many countries that have innovative business models and strategies in been very successful at doing this, such as every sector and to develop community Singapore and South Korea, is the participation and empowerment thereby development of a national ICT strategy with increasing democratic governance. Countries this vision at its core. In South Korea, for all over the world are using ICT applications to example, a comprehensive ICT strategy has increase efficiency, accountability, enhance been a key driver in the miracle rebound of its transparency and increase revenue collection economy from the financial crisis of the late as well as to reduce poverty by enhancing 80s; the ICT industry’s contribution to GDP their productive and e-commerce centers. growth rose from a mere 4.5% in 1990 to an A National ICT Strategy is a vision for a country astounding 50.5% in 2000. where information and communication Countries such as Singapore and South technology is not a mere information and Korea, as well as Barbados and Costa Rica to communication tool but a primary vehicle for a large extent in our region, have also realized

Belize ICT National Strategy 16 that for the National ICT Strategy to be in e-commerce by many developing countries. successful, it must be incorporated into the The decline in the cost of telecommunications overall development strategy of the country. It and access to the Internet worldwide have should assess the prospects and options for given rise to the globalization of business- promoting the ICT industry, for using ICT in key support services and the outsourcing of back- sectors of the economy, and for empowering office work to developing countries like India and networking all stakeholders involved in and the Philippines. Over 50 nations currently national development and democratic export software and ICT-enabled services. In governance initiatives. It should also Kenya, for example, Naushad Trading systematically address how to use ICT as an Company which sells local wood carvings, enabling tool, in combination with other baskets and pottery, grew from US$ 10, 000 instruments, to address the two overarching to over US$ 2 million in the two years since it goals of national development in developing went online. countries such as Belize: 2. Using ICT across the board - A second (1) sustainable economic growth - driven major thrust for competitiveness and broad by participating in a highly dynamic global economic growth is to use ICT in the most industry and by diffusing ICT to enhance critical industries and services of the country, broad based, economy wide promote ICT diffusion among micro, small competitiveness; and medium enterprises (typical of most industries in developing countries such as (2) poverty reduction - facilitated by Belize) to make them more efficient and broad-based economic and social growth, effective, and deploy ICT for modernizing accelerated human development and government-to-business transactions. nationwide empowerment. Although it is up to the private sector to Sustainable Economic growth is achieved take the lead in such use, governments though enhancing competitiveness and can influence and accelerate this process growth across broad sectors of the economy. through various means, including ICT can be used to achieve this in two ways: establishing the necessary laws and regulations for e-commerce, and 1. Developing the local ICT industry - the providing incentives for local ICT industry, and particularly, the newly investments that would alter enabled services such as Business Processing managerial practices and Outsourcing (BPOs), presents major strengthen supply chains. opportunities for job creation and participation Perhaps most promising for

Belize ICT National Strategy 17 competitiveness is the use of ICT in education services, facilitating citizen to government in support of business-to- government transactions and public sector government transactions. reforms, and promoting participation and accountability. Recent emphases on poverty By one estimate, business in developing analysis and on mainstreaming results- countries spend about 20% of their revenues oriented development programs have on transactions with governments, including reinforced the need for relevant, reliable and accessing information and forms, applying for timely information for policy formulation and permits, and submitting taxes. An effective program implementation and adaptation. As and transparent government is a critical suggested earlier, ICT can also be deployed to ingredient in a competitive business climate extend access and improve quality of and an attractive investment environment. A education, health and other social services. recent pilot to modernize tax administration in Russia (assisted with World Bank financing) The promise of improving citizen to has introduced ICT-enabled transformation in government transactions (C2G) has inspired the administration’s interactions with many governments to innovate one-stop, businesses and citizens, eliminated the long single window services, such as Singapore’s lines for tax submissions, drastically cut all eCitizen, and to integrate electronic kinds of transaction costs, closed government into their broader public sector opportunities for corruption, and at the same reforms. Even less integrated and more time, raised the badly needed tax revenues. modest bottom up initiatives such as land record computerization in Karnataka, India, The second overarching national goal in many have delivered land certificates in 15 minutes, developing countries such as Belize is instead of 20-30 days, and in the process, reducing poverty and accelerating human reduced transaction costs and corruption, development. ICT could support poverty created a viable land market, enhanced the reduction strategies by informing policy creditworthiness of farmers, and improved the making, delivering effective health and life of the common man.

A major opportunity for using ICT in poverty reduction is to provide information and knowledge to rural populations and to empower local development agents to serve the poor. A variety of informational and connectivity advantages

Belize ICT National Strategy 18 can accrue to the poor through improved function proved to be the highest priority for operational capacities of the specialized local many communities who would otherwise have agencies. One example is Chile’s electronic remained isolated. These centers have rural information system which connected farmers’ organizations, provide affordable public access to ICT rural municipalities, NGOs, and local tools including the Internet government extension agencies to the Internet. It was estimated that transmitting information on prices, extend and customize public services including those offered through e- markets, inputs, weather, social government services, and credit facilities cost 40% less than using traditional methods. provide access to information in Similar pilots and programs have support of local economic activities and been applied in Mexico. In learning opportunities Maharashtra, India, a cluster of 70 villages is covered by the “wired village” project, which is modernizing connect and network people the local cooperatives, and aiming to provide agricultural, medical, and educational information to the enabled them to carry out local dialogue, facilitation telecenter booths in the villages. share practical and locally-relevant information, and support community problem Perhaps the area of most promise is in the solving. Given the limited relevance of the use of ICT to promote broad participation, vast amount of global Internet content to grassroots innovation, and social learning, these communities, the role of these centers thereby increasing democratic governance. in networking and creating local content Telecenters or community information and becomes all the more important. Community communication centers can play several roles: centers could also provide women with a provide affordable public access to ICT tools medium to participate as producers, including the Internet; extend and customize consumers-providers-users, counselors- public services, including those offered clients. In South Africa, women’s through e-government; provide access to organizations are linked to various resource information in support of local economic web sites which aim to mobilize women activities and learning opportunities; and around common concerns. Digital literacy connect and network people. The last

Belize ICT National Strategy 19 centers in Benin and Ghana have become an may find a route to leaping forward and important instrument of empowerment of low- catching up. This will involve a great degree of income communities, enhancing learning and understanding the impacts of ICT employability, increasing capabilities, and on markets, organizations, competitive extending learning opportunities beyond those strategies, innovation as well as the available in educational institutions. implications for services, employment, education, regional and spatial development The world is in the midst of a revolution in and poverty reduction. which new and evolving digital ICTs are extending the horizon of what countries, Furthermore, a successful ICT strategy companies, institutions and individuals might requires a country’s substantial investment in achieve if they work together to create rich human capital, active absorption of collaborative networks from which new technology, ability to raise awareness, build knowledge, ideas and innovations spring. By coalitions, clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring the development of a solid national mobilize and complement market forces, as ICT strategy, many countries can position their well as scale up and leverage ICT. The economies for competitive advantage in a ultimate focus of a national ICT strategy global knowledge-driven technology. Those should be to promote the diffusion of ICT who understand the process can direct their across the board as a General Purpose efforts towards learning the new practices and Technology.

Belize ICT National Strategy 20

ICT STRATEGY METHODOLOGY

BELIZE’S APPROACH TO ICT STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

The goal of the e- Belize: Accelerating developing the National Strategy. The Development National ICT Strategy is to consulting team: identify how ICT and participation in the 1. Developed a planning process and digital economy can help the Government initiated consultations with the MPS of Belize reach more expeditiously its Steering Committee, the Government of objectives in terms of economic and social Belize’s (GOB) Information and progress and growth. It was an initiative of Communication (ICT) Task Force and the the Ministry of the Public Service, GOB’s CEO Caucus as part of the Governance Improvement, Elections and development of the National ICT Strategy; Boundaries, and Sports (MPS) of Belize 2. Surveyed each GOB Ministry and relevant and was spearhead by its Minister John department via an e-Government Salvidar and the Ministry’s Chief Executive questionnaire in order to assess the Officer (CEO) Charles Gibson. The current state (Strengths and Ministry’s Governance Improvement Unit Weaknesses) of GOB’s ICT development (GIU) headed by Mrs. Freya Parham and conducted phone interviews of all of August (with Mr. Dwight Gillette and Mr. the secondary schools and the University Antonio Madrid) was assigned the task of of Belize in order to assess the current identifying and working with a consulting state of ICT development in Belize’s team to develop Belize’s National ICT education system. Strategy. 3. Conducted 30 individual countrywide The consulting team of Juan Carlos Namis interviews with relevant GOB Ministries, and Dr. Geraldo Flowers of e-Data Ltd. of Departments and Statutory Boards, Belize and Mr. Adam Montserin of private sector ICT companies, Odyssey Consulting of Trinidad international funding agencies, and civil was identified and contracted in society executives in order to identify ICT early March 2011 to work related problems and opportunities with the GIU in (Opportunities and Threats) related to ICT development in Belize.

Belize ICT National Strategy 21

A Visioning workshop was conducted by recommendations from the National ICT the Consulting Team in early April 2011 Strategy was also presented to GOB’s CEO with key stakeholders from GOB, the Caucus in the third week of May 2011 for private sector and civil society to develop the Vision, Mission and Strategic Outcomes for the Belize National ICT Strategy. The team also conducted a two day Strategy Development workshop in late April 2011 with the same key stakeholders to develop National Strategies designed to accomplish the Strategic Outcomes identified in the Visioning workshop held earlier. As well, the team shared a draft of the Belize e- input and feedback. As well, a Cabinet Paper Readiness Assessment and Benchmarking based on the findings and recommendations reports produced by the team for input from the National ICT Strategy was prepared and feedback from the key stakeholders and presented by Minister John Saldivar to and to enlighten the Strategy GOB’s Executive Cabinet and to the Prime Development process. Minister for endorsement and approval. An The first draft of the National ICT Strategy official Launch of the National Strategy was was presented to the MPS and GOB’s ICT then conducted to kick off the Task Force in the middle of May 2011. A implementation of the Strategy. presentation of the findings and

Belize ICT National Strategy 22

THE CURRENT STATE – ICT IN BELIZE 2011

E-READINESS DEFINED e-Readiness is the degree to which a economy can help to build a better society. country is prepared to participate in the Regardless of a country’s level of networked world. According to the “e- development, e-Readiness is assessed by Readiness Guide: How to Develop and determining the relative standing of its Implement a National e- readiness Action society and its economy in the areas that are Plan” e-Readiness is generally defined as most critical for its participation to the the degree to which a country is prepared networked world.1 to participate in the digital economy with According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the underlying concept that the digital e-Readiness is not simply a matter of the number of computer servers, websites and mobile phones in the country, but also things such as its citizen’s ability to utilize technology skillfully, the transparency of its business and legal systems, and the extent to which governments encourage the use of digital technologies. 2 When a country does more online—or, as is increasingly the case, wirelessly—the premise is that its economy can become a more transparent and efficient one.

1 GeoSINC International (April 2002). e-Readiness Guide: How to Develop and Implement a National e- readiness Action Plan. 2 Economist Intelligence Unit (2005). The 2005 e- readiness rankings: a white paper from the Economist Intelligence Unit. (http://graphics.eiu.com/files/ad_pdfs/ERR2004.pdf) Belize ICT National Strategy 23

Before any country commences on a consultants as part of the development of the strategy; comprehensive connectivity program, it is • important to understand its current level A survey of secondary schools also conducted by the consultants as part of of e-Readiness. As stated above, e- the development of the strategy; Readiness is the degree to which a • 30 interviews with key stakeholders community is prepared to participate in conducted by the consultants as part of the development of the strategy; the global information society, and is • Content analysis of all of GOB’s current gauged by assessing areas that are most websites; critical to the adoption of Information and • Secondary data analysis of data provided Communication Technology (ICT). by the Belize 2009 Scoping Exercise Report conducted under the auspices of Belize’s e-Readiness assessment provided the Ministry of the Public Service by David a current snapshot of the country’s ICT Gingell, a consultant from Malta. capacity in several different areas including:

• Industry and Finance • Government

• Human Resources • Infrastructure • Legal and Regulatory

The framework for this analysis was adapted from the “Readiness for the Networked World: A Guide for Developing Countries”, an internationally recognized methodology published by the Center for International Development at Harvard University. Additional data to support the findings and conclusions came from a variety of sources including:

• The 2010 National Census of Belize; • An e-government survey of all of the Government of Belize’s (GOB) Ministries conducted by the

Belize ICT National Strategy 24

BELIZE’S TECHNOLOGY PENETRATION

Figure 7 below presents the current state of technology penetration in Belize as provided by the 2010 National Household and Population Census of Belize.

Figure 7- District Technology Penetration by Household

100.00% 90.00% 80.00% 76.50% 70.00% 60.00% 53% 50.00% 40.00%

30.00% 26.40% 21.60% 20.00% 13.10% 10.00% 0.00% Mobile Phone Computer Cable TV Fixed Lines Internet Access Ownership

Corozal Orange Walk Belize Cayo Stann Creek Toledo Overall Penetration

Source: Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

The above data reveals that although Belize in Belize have cable TV services. The ranked 128 out of 184 countries according reasons for this are two-fold: to the United Nations e-Government survey 1. Belize does possess the infrastructure of 2010, the country is already an active for this to be possible; member of the global information society. It has embraced cell phone and cable TV 2. These services are currently being services to the extent that more than three provided competitively and at a cost fourths of households in Belize possess a that the majority of Belizeans can cell phone and more half of the households afford.

Belize ICT National Strategy 25

INTERNET AFFORDABILITY IN BELIZE

On the other hand, computers and internet service, while readily available in most urban center and some rural ones as well in Belize, is just not affordable for the average Belizean as Figure 8 reveals.

Figure 8 – Internet Affordability (Standard Home Internet Service Plan)

High Speed Internet Monthly Charges % GDP Per Capita Service BZE$ 2008 Annual Figures (BZE$12,920) 256K $100 9% 512K $179 17% 1MB $300 28% 2MB $500 46% 4MB $850 79%

Source: Belize Telecommunication Limited

The above figure reveals that even for a very few companies (with the exception of 1MB of internet service, the average the major industries) have invested in Belizean would have to spend more than dedicated data lines or extensive office ¼ of their annual income to afford it. A 4 automation. As there are only a small MB household internet connection (very number of consumers currently on-line common in households in the Caribbean) (and most of these are tourists), there is would cost the average Belizean a still little rationale for companies to use mortgage payment (and a high one at the Internet as a business medium (except that!) or more than ¾ of their annual for the tourism industry). Most are using it income. This is perhaps the reason why for e-mail and for a basic web presence, only 13.1% of Belizeans have internet in i.e., static web sites. However, if the their homes. internet rates were to decrease, many more Belizeans would go online which It is a very similar story within the Belizean would spur the development of more e- business community. Although most business in Belize. companies have PCs and Internet access,

Belize ICT National Strategy 26

INTERNET ACCESS IN BELIZE

Figure 9 – Internet Users 5 Years or More by Type of Access Device and District

Corozal Orange Belize Cayo Stann Toledo Total Walk Creek

Total 7,108 8,523 29,637 17,914 6,414 3,979 73,535

Computer 5,969 6,983 24,947 15,319 5,499 3,553 62,270 Only

Computer 646 807 3,393 1,566 496 260 7,168 and Mobile Device

Mobile 187 228 738 261 129 39 1,582 Device Only

DKNS 306 505 559 768 290 127 2,555

Source: Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

Figure 9 above reveals that the Belize 2010 Household and Population Census indicates that about 23.5% of Belize’s population or about 73,535 Belizeans had accessed the internet sometime in 2010. Figure 10 below shows the likely places for Belizeans to access the internet.

Figure 10 - Place of Internet Use

Family or Friend’s House Work 9% 18% School 25%

Home 26% Internet café 21%

Community Internet access facility 1%

Source: Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

Belize ICT National Strategy 27

ICT EDUCATION IN BELIZE

Figure 11 - ICT in Secondary Education in Belize by District

Most common Number of Number of Number of District Internet Students Computer Labs Computers bandwidth Belize 6,130 24 474 512 Cayo 3,726 13 386 1MB Orange Walk 1,932 6 107 512 Corozal 1,786 5 124 1MB Stann Creek 1,985 6 199 512 Toledo 1,639 3 75 512 Total 17,198 57 1,365

Source: Telephone interviews and surveys and the Belize 2010 Housing and Population Census

Figure 11 above provides an indication of the pervasiveness of computers and computer labs in the secondary schools of Belize.3 The data is presented broken down by the six major districts of Belize. It indicates that Belizean high schools have about one computer for every 12 students. They also have an average of about one computer lab per high school as there are about 57 high school computer labs in the country. Most of the high schools in Belize are located in urban areas; therefore, most have access to the Internet.

There is recognition that the rural population is “under-served” in terms of ICT in education in Belize. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has strongly underlined the importance of utilizing distributed and e-learning as an important means to overcome the current educational divide between the cities and municipalities, on the one hand, and the villages on the other (personal communication, Kevin Harris, 15th March 2011). Yet the application of an e- learning strategy to bridge the educational divide still demands the articulation of a policy and strategy on how villages in rural areas are to be technologically supported.

The aggressive introduction of ICT for education requires not only a strong technological backbone but also a strong pedagogical one. ICT in education requires the appropriate skills

3 Most Belizeans still get their first formal computer class at a high school and not at a primary school. Data regarding computers in primary schools were not available at the time of the writing of this report; however, it is widely believed that most primary schools in Belize do not have internet service or computer labs. Belize ICT National Strategy 28 to develop educational content – whether for traditional classroom delivery or for e- and distributed learning. Ideally, this should be centrally based in order to maximize scarce skills, to ensure that content is of the appropriate quality and reflects curriculum requirements, as well as to secure the promulgation of such content at a national level.

Moreover, the introduction of ICT Internet based facilities for schools requires a strong security framework that ensures that children are restricted from accessing high risk and pornographic content and that such blocking is maintained on a daily basis in order to ensure that it gives real rather than just perceived security. This is fundamental in order to provide the adequate level of protection to children as well as to secure parental trust and confidence in the provision of internet access to their children.

It is pertinent to underline that, there does not seem to be an ICT in Schools strategy that seeks to define a cohesive and coordinated way forward. There is no national ICT curriculum. In essence what this means is that schools – which are both church and state schools - set their own curriculum for ICT.4

ICT IN THE BELIZEAN WORKFORCE

According to the 2009 Scoping Exercise Report, The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry opines while many firms have some form of Internet access, relatively few employees have individual access. Employees that do have their own e-mail accounts typically work for large firms. The total number of corporate websites is unknown, but is thought to be quite high. However, these sites are typically modest in nature, with limited information that is not updated regularly. In terms of computer applications, some office automation software is in use. Larger firms have some enterprise application software.

The Chamber of Commerce also opines that the use of ICTs in the workplace is also fairly limited. Although virtually all businesses have computers and access to the internet, a significant number of employees share computers and only a few have personal e-mail addresses for use in the work environment.

4 The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) does set a regional CXC Computer Science exam which many secondary schools in Belize prepare their students for. Belize ICT National Strategy 29

ICT IN GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

As part of the preparation of the e-Belize – have access to the internet and e-mail, most Accelerating Development National ICT use the Microsoft Office Suite, and at least Strategy, the consulting team undertook a half of the Ministries have a functioning series of individual consultations with website. government ministries and departments. The introduction and use of ICT in the public They also conducted a website content service, however, has been limited by a lack analysis of the www.belize.gov.bz portal of of coordination and integration in the GOB ministries’ links. In addition, the planning and implementation of these consulting team conducted an e- initiatives. This is due largely to the absence government survey of all of GOB ministries of a Policy and Strategic framework which requesting ICT related information. would provide the requisite direction and Analysis of the information indicates that, guidelines for the adoption and utilization of overall, GOB has made considerable ICT resources in the public sector. Given the investments in ICT to-date. Some Ministry present level of adoption and use of offices feature modern computer and computer technology, the implementation of telephony equipment. They communicate this National ICT Strategy (which addresses to with citizens, businesses, and other a large extent ICT in Government) will bode Government offices via telephone, e-mail, well for the further advancement of the and the Internet, in addition to face-to- GOB’s public sector modernization agenda. face. In addition, at least three Ministries Approximately half of all GOB Ministries (8 of (Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health the 17) have a Ministry website and thirteen and Ministry of Police and Public Safety) of the seventeen feature a Web site from one have installed management information of their departments. Additionally, those who systems and several others (such as do not have a web site do have a web link on Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade, the new government portal Labor and Natural Resources) are in the (www.belize.gov.bz). However, government process of doing so. Web sites (as well as the GOB Portal) typically Computer technology now plays an feature static government centric information increasingly significant role at the on the Ministry and its divisions, including operational level of all GOB Ministries and mandate, services offered, organizational Departments. All of the 19 Ministries and structure, contact information, and Departments who completed the survey “frequently asked questions”. Based on the

Belize ICT National Strategy 30

United Nations “web measure” index of the Attorney General, Economic the state of online services from a Development, Education, Foreign Affairs, country’s government, the information Natural Resources (Meteorology Office), gathered on GOB websites indicate that Ministry of the Public Service, Ministry of GOB is currently transitioning the Tourism (Belize Tourist Board) and Ministry of “Emerging and Enhanced” stages of Transport and Communications (NEMO) are online service delivery (the first two Stages offering electronic downloadable and on the four Stage scale). 5 printable forms. The Belize National Library Service offers an electronic library service While it does not seem to be part of an and the Belize Meteorology Department overall e-Government strategy, certain offers a “two way interaction service” for GOB Ministries and Departments are citizens requesting weather reports, which expanding the scope of their electronic puts their sites between Stage Two and Stage service delivery offerings. The Ministries of Three of the UN’s “Web measure model: Stages of e-government evolution” scale. 6

5 EMERGING PRESENCE is Stage I There is still much to do to enable full e- representing information, which is limited and basic. The e-government online presence Government in Belize. Currently, basic comprises a web page and /or an official website; information is now accessible on-line. links to ministries/departments of education, health, social welfare, labor and finance However, ministries do not yet offer highly may/may not exist; links to regional/local valuable electronic transactions such as government may/may not exist; some archived benefits registration, application for training information such as the head of states' message or a document such as the constitution may be available on line, most information remains static with the fewest options for citizens. 6 TRANSACTIONAL PRESENCE is Stage III that allows two-way interaction between the citizen and ENHANCED PRESENCE is Stage II in which his/her government. It includes options for paying the government provides greater public policy taxes; applying for ID cards, birth and governance sources of current and archived certificates/passports, license renewals and other information, such as policies, laws and similar C2G interactions by allowing him/her to regulation, reports, newsletters, and submit these online 24/7. The citizens are able to downloadable databases. The user can search for pay for relevant public services, such as motor a document and there is a help feature and a site vehicle violation, taxes, fees for postal services map provided. A larger selection of public policy through their credit, bank or debit card. Providers of documents such as an e-government strategy, goods and services are able to bid online for public policy briefs on specific education or health contacts via secure links. issues. Though more sophisticated, the interaction is still primarily unidirectional with Please refer to: information flowing essentially from government http://www2.unpan.org/egovkb/egovernment_overvi to the citizen. ew/webmeasure.htm

Belize ICT National Strategy 31 programs, job applications, and electronic Crime Reporting Information Management payments. System (CRIMS) also to cities and police stations.7 Information and communication technology, in the form of modern There is no standard for office automation computers, telephones and network use although, from the e-government survey solutions, is pervasive throughout GOB. conducted, the software tool most prevalent However, the usage of electronic systems is Microsoft Office 2007. It is, however, and processes is still very minor compared pertinent to note, that with the exception of with the usage of paper-based ones. users who have authorized access to Smart Desktop computers may be used to Stream the general consensus is that most produce documents and presentations, installations of the Microsoft application but it is very rare that they are used to software is unlicensed.8 access vital data. Database servers There are no data centers in Belize. The contain some client information, but more building of a National ICT Centre by the often than not it is used as a backup for Ministry of the Public Service, financed by the paper files, not the central record itself. Government of Taiwan, whilst an excellent Much is still in paper. Although more development, does not yet have this role as sophisticated information systems are its mandate. There is no doubt that, if being introduced including document properly planned, the new National ICT management solutions, their usage is still Centre can act as a Central Data Centre with very limited. appropriate robust facilities to assure (i) There is no central secure government consolidation of ad hoc hardware; (ii) network. However, there are many streamlined utilization of hardware; (iii) separate networks including Smart

Stream, which is a secure network run by 7 CITO on behalf of the Ministry of Finance There is also a project underway to link the Police, Immigration and Prison together via a common (MOF) for applications relating to database to provide more intelligence regarding accounting, income tax, and service tax; a crime. This is being sponsored by the United States government. network created by the Ministry of Health 8 to promulgate the Belize Information The Ministry of the Public Service through its Belize National Information and Communication Health System (BIHS) to cities and Technology Center is in the process of discussions municipalities; and a network created by with Microsoft Corporation for the feasibility of purchasing a Microsoft Enterprise license for GOB, the Belize Police Force to promulgate the its statutory agencies and schools.

Belize ICT National Strategy 32 greater levels of security; (iv) greater levels individuals. With the possible exception of the of resilience; (v) better utilization of Ministry of Health, most ICT Departments technical resources and rationalization of seem currently understaffed. such resources to the optimum level; (vi) There is no ad hoc financing for ICT within the reduction of the Total Cost of Ownership Government of Belize. In essence, ICT by ensuring that facilities are not financing is a line vote item that is assigned replicated unnecessarily. to each Ministry and Department as part of Furthermore, the resources assigned to the budgetary process. This primarily means support ICT policy and operations within that ICT is not recognized as a corporate – the Ministry of the Public Service, as well horizontal – program that transcends the as the line Ministries, are limited at best. Government of Belize which thus requires Even a large, important Department such dedicated financing in order to secure the as Immigration only has a staff of two IT promulgation of ICT.

Belize ICT National Strategy 33

ICT IN BELIZEAN COMMERCE

Figure 12 below shows the current Belize City Export Processing Zone (EPZ) licensed Business Processing Outsourcing thereby guaranteeing freedom from taxes to organizations in Belize. In 2010, these incoming dotcoms. The park has organizations generated approximately successfully stimulated Belize's e-business US$18,736,164 and approximately 1,095 sector. Subsequently, EPZ were expanded jobs. The genesis for this came about in to be able to operate anywhere in the 2000 when the Government encouraged country as long as they receive the requisite the opening of a private e-commerce park, permits from the Ministry of Economic opened by Datapro International Inc in the Development.

Figure 12: Current BPOs in Belize

Name of Company Sector Operational Period # of Employees

Fulton Data Processing Data 2009 68 Processing/ICT Infotel International Limited Call Center 2009 82 Prospera Belize Ltd. (e- Data 2010 2 commerce) Processing/ICT Administrative Corporate Data 2010 10 Services Ltd. (management Processing/ICT services) Cititrust International Inc. Data 2010 3 (e-commerce) Processing/ICT Cititrust International Ltd. Data 2010 3 (e-commerce) Processing/ICT Clear Call Belize Limited Call Center 2010 37 Ready Call Center Limited Call Center 2010 778 Transparent BPO Limited Call Center 2008 105 ICSL (Belize District) Data Processing 2008 1 Total Employees 1,089

Source: Ministry of Economic Development of Belize

Belize ICT National Strategy 34

Given its location in the centre of the knowledge economy that services the US Americas and its demographics (native makes strategic sense given that Belize is speakers of English and Spanish), and the in the same time zone as the US, is close popularity of its offshore legislation, it to the US, has intelligent and should be open to Belize to become a knowledgeable people, and the cost of centre of e-commerce activity. The labor is far lower than would be found in development of an information or the US.

ICT IN BELIZEAN BUSINESSES

The 2009 Scoping Exercise Report stated that promotion of the enterprise’s service or the Belize Chamber of Commerce and product or for back offices purposes. The Industry, whilst acknowledging that it has no Chamber is of the considered opinion (the hard data on the state of the information Belize Tourism Industry Association is a economy within Belize as it has yet to date to member of the Chamber) that ICT web carry out a survey on this matter, is of the presence by tourism service providers is considered opinion that the use and primarily limited to a static web presence. penetration of ICT for businesses purposes is The Chamber believes that there is no e- limited. In this regard the Chamber believes tourism infrastructure in Belize – a matter that use of ICT, where it has been availed of, of concern given the actions being taken in is primarily of electronic communications and this regard by competitors to Belize potential basic office applications. tourism.

The set-up of industry and business within Belize, with the exception of a small number

of large operators such as the banks, hotel operators, etc, are micro-enterprises. Given the GDP / capita and the fact that, with the

exclusion of the service industry related to tourism, securing a web presence is not perceived to be a productive investment particularly given that achieving this is seen to be prohibitively expensive.

Operations in the tourism industry are seen to make most use of ICT – both for the Belize ICT National Strategy 35

ICT LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN BELIZE

The successful implementation of e- other critical areas which must be addressed government policies and processes can be if any e-Government related Strategy is to significantly enabled by a proper legal have any meaningful impact, in particular: framework for their operation. A • Computer and Computer Related requirement for ICT related processes to Crime/Computer Misuse: makes be introduced and adopted is their formal attempted or actual penetration or legal equivalence and standing with the subversion of computer systems a paper process. Many governments are criminal act and prohibits the now aware of the need for framework to unauthorized access, use of or provide for enforceable electronic interference to any program or data held transactions, both in the e-government in a computer and to a computer itself. sphere and for e-commerce, and have • taken action. For example, the legal Privacy and Data Protection: sets recognition of digital signatures is requirements for the proper handling and necessary if they are to be used in e- protection of personal information held government for the submission of within information processing systems electronic forms containing sensitive and to protect the privacy of individuals in personal or financial information.9 relation to personal data, to regulate the collection, processing, keeping, use and While the Government of Belize has disclosure of certain information relating enacted several key legislation: Computer to individuals and to provide for matters Wagering and Licensing Act of 1995, The incidental thereto or connected Belize Copyright Act revised 2003, the therewith.10 Electronic Transactions Act (2003), Electronic Evidence Act (2003), Freedom of Information Act (1994, amended in 2000), and the Archives and Records Service Act (2004), and the Interception of Communication Act 0f 2010, there are

9 The Electronic Transactions Act of 2003 does 10 The Belize Interception of Communications Act allow for the use of electronic signatures in of 2010 does address some of these issues although Belize. not in their totality.

Belize ICT National Strategy 36

ICT TRADE POLICY AND REGULATIONS IN BELIZE

Belize is one of the few countries that have enacted legislation allowing for the establishment of online wagering. Its Computer Wagering Licensing Act, 1995, which came into force on May 28, 1996, provides for the proper conduct and regulation of gambling via the Internet.

In addition, the Electronic Transactions Act of Belize was passed in 2003. The objectives of the Act are:

a) to eliminate legal barriers to the effective use of electronic communications in transactions;

b) to promote the harmonization of legal rules on electronic transactions across national boundaries;

c) to facilitate the appropriate use of electronic transactions;

d) to promote business and community confidence in electronic transactions; and

e) to enable businesses and the community to use electronic communications in their transactions with government.

Belize ICT National Strategy 37

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY IN BELIZE

The Government of Belize passed the telecommunications sector; (e) ensure Belize Telecommunications Act in 1987 and promote fair pricing and the use of which constituted Belize cost-based pricing methods by providers Telecommunications Ltd (BTL). BTL was in Belize; (f) ensure compliance with granted a 15 years exclusive license to accepted technical standards in the operate in Belize. In tandem, an Office of provision and development of Telecommunications was constituted to telecommunication services; (g) promote regulate BTL as well as to administer stability of the telecommunications spectrum management. sector; (h) protect the interests of telecommunications users, service The objects of the Belize providers and consumers; (i) preserve Telecommunications Act (BTA) of 1987 national security interests; (j) ensure the were to: efficient use of the radio frequency “provide for the regulation and spectrum; (k) ensure the safety of the control of telecommunications public by maintaining access to matters in the public interest, and emergency numbers at all times for that purpose to (a) promote irrespective of non-payment by the reliable and affordable consumer.” telecommunication services of high The powers of regulation are vested by BTA in quality accessible to Belizeans in the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). both urban and rural areas in all regions of Belize; (b) foster BTL was subsequently privatized and in increased reliance on market forces December 2002 was granted an ‘Individual for the provision of License’. In the same month, December 2002, telecommunications services and to a second ‘Individual License’ was issued to ensure that regulation, where International Telecommunications Limited – required, is efficient and effective; which, however, went out of operation within a (c) promote the provision of few years. In August 2003, an ‘Individual telecommunication services that License’ was granted to Speednet meet all the economic and social Communications Limited. requirements of users, including It is pertinent to note that in May 2007 the disabled persons; (d) encourage goodwill, properties, assets, obligations and investment and innovation in the

Belize ICT National Strategy 38 rights of Belize Telecommunications BTL’s sole telecommunications provider status Limited as well as its employees were is its power to block access to VoIP in order to transferred to Belize Telemedia Limited protect its international line revenue. The use (BTL). of VoIP either for domestic and international purposes is not possible in Belize unless This means that in essence there are two access is granted by BTL. The inability of telecommunication providers in Belize. It Government Ministries and departments to use is pertinent to note, however, that BTL is VoIP technology to minimize the only Telecommunications Provider – telecommunications costs and for society and that is it owns the international the economy at large to apply teleconferencing connectivity gateway as well as the land technology to overcome communications installed dark fibre and the national logistical issues arising due to the geo-disparity telecommunications grid. Speednet of cities, municipalities and villages Communications Limited operates strategically constrains the ability for Belize to primarily through BTL – and its core adopt an aggressive pace in establishing an business appears to be wireless information society and an information telephony. economy that places e-government as its The 2009 Scoping Exercise Report opines kernel. that one fundamental effect arising from

CONCLUSION

It is pertinent to note that nothing was Belizeans households own a cell phone and revealed in the e-Readiness assessment over half have cable TV service. Because Belize that would hinder Belize from becoming a has a young population (with over half under world class ICT state in the course of the the age of 24), it is even more likely that many lifespan of this Strategy (five years) if the more Belizeans will seek to become a part of political and business “will” was there to the global information society. Belize currently turn the situation around. Even with the has the infrastructure to meet their needs. It is high cost of internet in Belize, many not a question of hardware or software but Belizeans (over 73,000) have embraced “people-ware”. The “will” to do the right thing is the internet. Over three fourths of what is needed.

Belize ICT National Strategy 39

BELIZE NATIONAL ICT STRATEGY 2011 - 2016

Stakeholders from across Belize have defined the Vision for Belize by utilizing and leveraging the power of ICTs.

NATIONAL ICT VISION

ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL BELIZEANS THROUGH UNIVERSAL ACCESS AND WIDESPREAD USAGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY.

The National ICT Vision articulates the initiatives; this will create a powerful focus future that will be created through the where the investment of energy and implementation of this strategy. Creating resources will bring about a synergistic this future will result in accelerated national effect in achieving the outputs required. socio-economic development of the country Accelerating national development will be leading to “an improved quality of life for all empowered by pursuing major goals, Belizeans”. Connecting to the future as objectives and implementing a series of defined by the Vision and outcomes programs that consist of critical projects. requires a strategic approach to These are shown in Figure 13 and implementing the necessary programs and described on the next page:

Figure 13

Goals

Objectives

Belize ICT National Strategy 40

MAJOR GOALS

Two major goals will be pursued over the five These are the focus of the Belize year period of the National ICT Strategy: National ICT Strategy and are driven by the Vision. All of the • Firstly, Universal Access to ICTs, ensuring ICT objectives, programs and projects accessibility, acceptance and usability by are aligned to these two goals in a anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and through powerful and synergistic way that any media and device. will accelerate national

• Secondly, Widespread ICT usage in every development.

aspect of national development including security & crime reduction, improving health care, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Government, developing

competitive businesses and building new industries.

Belize ICT National Strategy 41

MAJOR OBJECTIVES

The achievement of these goals will come about by addressing seven major objectives over the period. These objectives are the heart of the strategy and have been aligned with the outcomes identified to ensure that important and critical elements of national development are addressed.

• eInclusion – Bringing the benefit of driving the adoption and usage of ICT ICTs into all segments of the in all dimensions of business population, including people who are operations to create competitive disadvantaged due to education, age, advantage at the business and gender, income, disabilities, ethnicity, country levels and/or those living in remote regions . • eHealth – Significantly improving the • eGovernment – Significantly improve delivery of primary and secondary the performance of government health care through the infusion of through the usage of ICTs, to meet the ICTs in the health care system, and evolving needs of the people of Belize empowering better life choices by and create a safe society citizens, especially the vulnerable, • Open ICT – Creating a vibrant, including the children and youth, the competitive and open poor, elderly, especially those in telecommunication industry that remote rural communities by enabling enables the availability and access to health information and accessibility of quality and affordable services empowered by ICTs. telecommunication services to • E-heritage – Protecting and preserving consumers and fostering social and Belize’s natural resources heritage economic benefits to the country. through ICT enabled management, • ICT In Education – Infusing all aspects outreach and education to all of the education systems with ICTs for Belizeans and visitors to preserve improved delivery and learning, and protect and develop Belize’s natural access to education by all resources. • ICT Business & Industry – Creating a well developed ICT services sector and

Belize ICT National Strategy 42

MAJOR THEMES AND DESIRED OUTCOMES

1. Universal access and widespread usage 5. Improved education system of ICTs for improved national Outcomes: productivity, efficiency & innovation and • An Educated and Trained Belizean the creation of a knowledge based Workforce and Citizenry (in particular society; the youth), Possessing the required Outcomes: Attitudes, Knowledge and Skill Sets • ICTs substantially enhances to fully utilize ICTs’; development of the Belizean • ICTs form an integral part of the economy, national productivity, education system at the primary, efficiency and innovation; secondary and tertiary levels • Universal and Open Access to ICTs enabling the design delivery of ICT by all of Belize to develop as a infused curriculum through ICT knowledge based society and to empowered and traditional channels; enhance democratic governance; • More effective teacher training and operation and management of the 2. Crime reduction and the improved school system utilizing ICTs and security of citizens shared information Outcomes: 6. Improved healthcare • All security agencies operate with up • Belize healthcare developed through to date and shared information the effective utilization of ICTs by sources to reduce the crime rate and health care intuitions, and health improve security of citizens; care workers; 3. Improving and modernizing the delivery • Primary health care is improved of public services through the public and community leaders accessing health – lifestyle Outcomes: information that influences better • Improved efficiency of the public health – lifestyle choices across service and effective delivery of Belize; public services based on citizen • Belize’s vulnerable including the needs through the use of ICTs; youth, poor, elderly and remote rural 4. Improved competitiveness of businesses communities have access to health and development of e-Commerce information and services empowered Outcomes: by ICTs. • A vibrant, competitive and open 7. Protection of our natural resources and telecommunication industry by heritage removing barriers to entry in-order to • Belize’s natural resources heritage is reduce cost and increase range of protected through ICT enabled services; management and through outreach • A well-developed ICT Service Sector, and education to all Belizeans and managed and staffed by qualified ICT visitors to preserve protect and Professionals; develop Belize’s natural resources.

Belize ICT National Strategy 43

KEY PROGRAMS

Each major objective consists of key programs and projects (initiatives) that will be implemented with relentless passion. The key programs are identified and described below.

• ENHANCING AND HARMONIZING THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE • ICT IN EDUCATION • DEVELOPING THE E-COMMERCE INFRASTRUCTURE • BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE – CONNECT BELIZE • CREATING JOBS - DEVELOPING ICT INDUSTRY • MODERNIZING THE PUBLIC SECTOR USING ICT

ENHANCING AND HARMONIZING THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The country of Belize needs to take action GOB in collaboration with the private sector, to create a vibrant, competitive and open civil society, and its international telecommunication industry that enables development partners will implement the the availability and accessibility of quality following Projects/Initiatives to facilitate the and affordable telecommunication services enhancement and harmonization of the to consumers and fostering social and Belize national telecommunications economic benefits to the country. infrastructure:

While the number of ICT users in Belize is • Develop a comprehensive and sound growing, there are still significant segments competitive framework for of the population that do not have ready communications services matching access to telecommunication; in particular, international best practices by Internet services. The challenge for GOB, in promoting competition, innovation, and collaboration with its private sector, civil investment in broadband services. society and international development • Promote and facilitate domestic and partners, is to encourage the development foreign investment in additional Internet of a vibrant, high-quality, low-cost backbone in an international telecommunications infrastructure which all competiveness mode in order to bring citizens have the opportunity to access. more telecommunication capacity and

Belize ICT National Strategy 44

redundancy to the Belizean market. This which will be a catalyst to improving will greatly aid in getting the country Internet penetration and cost reduction ready to become a major player on the to the general Belizean populace. international ICT industrial market stage • Allow for the competitive development in areas such as cyber-park of unfiltered Internet services in Belize development and the development of by avoiding the imposition of regulations Business Processing Outsourcing that might impede development and (BPOs); access to new technology such as • Maintain an independent, effective, fair Voice-Over the Internet (VOIP). This will and transparent Telecommunications spur the creation of new socio-economic Regulatory Authority. The Public Utilities opportunities and reduce the cost of Commission (PUC) is critical in setting international calls; thereby allowing the right tone for the Belize to be more competitive and telecommunications market, and for innovative on par with the rest of the providing regulatory certainty, ensuring region and the world. non-discriminatory treatment of telecom • Maximize efforts to bring voice and data and ISP providers, and in preventing services to under-served populations, by anti-competitive behavior. The GOB via coordinating efforts from all social the PUC will ensure that all telecom and sectors involved and by creating a ISP providers have non- discriminatory universal access fund paid by telecom access to the International Internet and ISP providers. Gateway (ARCOS fiber) and those prices • Promote the creation of a market which and service level agreements for maximizes the use of national wholesale Internet bandwidth are infrastructure and that has the capacity calculated on a cost- based formula and to provide the delivery of triple-play a reasonable return of investment for services (Voice, Data and Video) under the dominant operator. This healthy one single platform. This will allow environment will provide the certainty operators to enhance their service necessary for attracting large portfolio, reduce investment costs, and investments required for infrastructure provide a cheaper service to the development and service provision, consumer.

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ENHANCING EDUCATION USING ICT

Belize has long recognized the strategic including School Net providing importance of education and training as a broadband Internet connectivity to principal instrument of economic and social primary and secondary schools and development. Belize already has internet libraries across Belize; Smart classrooms access and IT computer labs in most its initiative equipping primary and secondary schools. This has enabled the secondary classrooms with ICTs for the significant growth of basic computer literacy delivery of learning materials, ICT and skills among those of school-age learning Labs will equip all primary and population who are still in school. GOB and secondary schools with computer labs its private sector, civil society and for use by students. Additionally the international development partners secondary school system will benefit recognize the need to both widen and from two major initiatives targeting the deepen this process, and therefore commits, management of education information to pursuing the following: and the provision of training material via • The ICT Curriculum for lifelong learning eLearning. program will ensure that ICTs form an • The ICT capacity for teachers & librarians integral part of the education curriculum program addresses the capacity to at all levels as a core subject area and deliver new curriculum, learning also a learning and curriculum delivery resources and information, in new and tool. Initiatives including the innovative ways utilizing ICTs in the development of a holistic ICT Plan for education system. Primary and education, Primary and Secondary secondary teachers and librarians will be curriculum design, will be initiated to exposed to the ICT training initiative that ensure that all areas of the education continuously upgrade their skills to value chain benefits from the application design and deliver learning material of ICTs. utilizing ICTs. • The ICT Facilities development program Teachers are the front line troops in the will provide the necessary equipment development of Belize. They should be and facilities for the ICT empowered accorded the status, facilities and role of delivery of primary and secondary key change agents not only in delivering curriculum, and student access to the skills of the next generation, but for information and learning materials. their influence over the community, Several initiatives will be implemented

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especially rural communities. The The objective is to facilitate teachers highest priority must be given to their having a PC in their homes to develop engagement and support as a part of competencies which will enhance this National ICT Strategy. teaching and learning of students in the classroom. Accompanying this should be It is recommended that all teachers be the development of on line and offline trained in the use of ICT, and in its teacher training courses so that teachers integration into the curriculum for can continually upgrade and certify teaching and learning. It is also themselves, thereby increasing the recommended that all teachers be number of trained teachers in the provided with a personal computer and country. access to the Internet at a reduced cost.

DEVELOPING THE eCOMMERCE INFRASTRUCTURE

The Internet and electronic commerce wholesale and retail businesses represent tremendous social and economic electronically using electronic payments. potential for countries such as Belize. The The electronic payment infrastructure for ecommerce development program seeks to Belize’s banks is build in silos in which each create an enabling environment including financial institution develops its own the requisite legal and regulatory framework electronic and online payment that will enhance consumer confidence and infrastructure without any kind of common protection, electronic payment systems, national standards and interoperability digital certification and authentication and framework. Belize should and must develop intellectual property protection. Initiatives and legislate a Common Electronic Payment will be implemented to address the System that integrates all local banks into a requirements in all of these areas as common banking switch interbank network. follows. Belize’s Common Electronic Payments ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS System (BEPS) will include but not be The availability of effective electronic limited to the following services in its payment systems is a significant element of network to all participating banks: electronic commerce and electronic • Shared Nationwide ATM and Point of business, enabling government, and Sale Network, provides the switch which enable bank customers to conveniently

Belize ICT National Strategy 47

access their funds anywhere from any between banks. For corporations, it is of the participating banks’ ATMs. ideal for high volume interbank • e-Debit, enables the purchase amount payments such as payroll payments. As to be immediately deducted from the for individuals, it is ideal for savings or current account direct into transactions such as credit card the retailer's or merchant's bank payments and loan repayments. It account. This provides consumers with offers bank customers, be it an better cash management and peace of individual or corporation, a secure mind as all transactions are PIN based. interbank fund transfer system/channel In addition, the new card is embedded for all sorts of payments through direct with a sophisticated, tamper-resistant debiting of the customers' account(s) smart chip to protect consumers and crediting into the beneficiaries against the risk of fraud. account; with all participating banks. • Mobile Prepaid Top-Up via ATM, offers • Financial Processing Exchange (FPX), more convenience for mobile phone opens new doors for e-Commerce, in subscribers to top-up through BEPS’ particular business to business (B2B) ATMs. and business to commerce (B2C) • Interbank ATM Fund Transfer (IBFT), payments. FPX is an alternative allows bank customers to transfer funds payment channel for customers to from one account to another account in make payment at e-market places such another bank. The beneficiary will as websites and online stores as well as receive the funds immediately and for corporations to collect bulk payment instantaneously, as the transfer is from their customers. It leverages on online and in real-time. the Internet banking services of participating banks and provides fast, • Interbank Payments, makes interbank secure, reliable, real-time online funds transfer more convenient to bank payment processing. FPX provides customers via an electronic channel. It complete end-to-end business enables payments to be made without transactions, resourceful payment the need to raise physical supporting records, simplified reconciliation and vouchers or documents such as reduced risks as fund movements are cheques, bank drafts, etc. It is an between established financial interbank fund transfer system that institutions. facilitates payments and collections via the exchange of digitized transactions

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SINGLE WINDOW TRADING traders may have had to contend with visits SYSTEM and dealings with multiple government

A single window trade system enables agencies in multiple locations in order to international (cross-border) traders to obtain the necessary papers, permits and submit regulatory documents at a single clearance in order to complete their import location and/or single entity. Such or export processes. documents are typically customs There is no single definitive viewpoint of declarations, applications for import/export what a single window trade system should permits, and other supporting documents be. A common definition of the term "Single such as certificates of origin and trading Window" is: invoices. Partners in such a system could include: "A facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardized • Beltraide information and documents with a single • BAHA entry point to fulfill all import, export, and • Ministry of Finance transit-related regulatory requirements. If • Ministry of Agriculture information is electronic then individual • The Port Authority data elements should only be submitted • The Customs Brokers Association once." • Belize Ports Limited The concept is recognized and promoted by • The Customs Department several world organizations that are • The Bureau of Standards concerned with trade facilitation. Among • The Ministry of Health these are the United Nations Economic • The Police Department Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic The main value proposition for having a Business (UN/CEFACT), World Customs Single Window for a country or economy is Organisation (WCO), SITPRO Limited of the to increase the efficiency through time and United Kingdom and the Association of cost savings for traders in their dealings Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). with various government authorities for obtaining the relevant clearance and It is recommended that Belize adopts such permit(s) for moving cargoes across as system to promote and enhance e- national or economic borders. In a Commerce including enhancing the revenue traditional pre-Single Window environment, collection system for government.

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CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION PROTECTION

This initiative will build consumer This initiative will provide Legal protection of confidence in electronic commerce by intellectual property in the online providing protection from fraud and from environment for the creation of local misleading and unfair conduct and content. Consumers will also have commercial practices, respect for consumer confidence that they can rely on trademarks privacy, private sector initiatives, global as trusted indicators of the origin and cooperation, consumer and business quality of their on-line purchases. education, and effective means of dispute resolution.

DIGITAL CERTIFICATION AND AUTHENTICATION

This initiative will enable greater security of the eCommerce environment by developing the legal and policy frameworks that emphasize standards in authentication technologies that help identify parties to electronic business transactions, and provide means by which they can reliably sign documents, assent to transactions, and verify documents' integrity.

Belize ICT National Strategy 50

CONNECT BELIZE – BRIDGING THE national cohesion and state DIGITAL DIVIDE building. As a result, there is clearly a movement toward The Connect Belize program will ensure that all changes in the areas of public Belizeans have equal access to ICTs by implementing administration and governance initiatives that expand broadband connectivity to systems and institutions in most of communities and homes in both urban and rural the world today. Increased Belize and bridge the digital divide by ensuring that emphasis on good governance has adequate facilities for access is within the reach of generated greater demands from persons. This program will bring the benefit of ICTs citizens for effective and into all segments of the population, especially to participatory governance people who are disadvantaged due to education, structures and services. There are age, gender, disabilities, ethnicity, and/or those living rising demands as well for access in remote regions. to public information, which has Good governance is high on many countries direct implications for ICT development agenda, including Belize, premised on applications in the governance the belief that it is a prerequisite for improved domain. Indeed, the role of ICTs in national socio-economic performance as well as enhancing good governance is becoming an issue of critical

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA importance as democratization gains ground around the world.

Three major programs will be implemented over the period as

follows:

• The connect Rural Belize

initiative,

• The Community Access Center Mobile Computer classrooms give (Telecenters) initiative, Antigua’s public school students access to • The ICT awareness, and computer technology and Wi-Fi. promotion and ICT education Source: for communities initiative http://www.tropos.com/news/pressreleases/20 07_11_29.php

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RURAL CONNECTIVITY –E- VILLAGE A telecenter may be defined as a shared site that provides public In the rural communities, commercial access to information and investment in telecommunications communications technology whose infrastructure has followed a typical pattern: main purpose is to increase public slow and weak investment. As a result, rural access to the Internet and to communities suffer a “distance penalty” services available over the Internet. that increases communication costs and The basic telecenter that is makes it more difficult to attract businesses common in Latin America and the and growing families. Rural communities Caribbean has fairly standard can use advanced telecommunications features. It consists of premises services, particularly the Internet, to help stocked with several computer them bridge the gap. It is recommended that terminals and simple furnishings the Government of Belize improve the consisting of chairs or classroom connectivity of rural areas which will provide desks for users and regular desks to residents access to information and or tables on which the terminals sit. training and digital opportunities leading to The main service offered to the poverty reduction. Funding from an public is access to the Internet established Universal Access Fund and from (chatting, e-mail and Web browsing) international funding agencies through and often also to elementary grants/loans can be used for the funding of software (word processing, this project. spreadsheet). However, telecenters have also been used for education COMMUNITY ACCESS CENTERS – and training and for providing vital TELECENTERS government services online. DESIRED OUTCOMES

1. Universal Access to Information and 3. Dissemination of Information for Communication Technology (especially community development including the for poor urban and rural areas); provision of health, agriculture, trade 2. Poverty Alleviation And Crime Reduction information and enhanced access to through Distance Education and government services (birth registration, workforce training, particularly of low application for permits, job and land income women and youth in urban and applications etc…) online using ICT. rural areas;

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4. Enhancing democratic governance often a critical determinant of impact on through increased community youngsters. Telecenters can be an connectedness and participation. important complement to formal education reform, providing support to BENEFITS OF TELECENTERS students and teachers after school hours and increasing Internet access for • Rural Connectivity - Rapid developments teachers, parents, recent graduates and in wireless technology have made it the community at large. In addition, possible to overcome physical hurdles telecenters can be used for online (distance, topography), at a reasonable workforce training using programs such cost, that for long have limited the as the International Driver’s License ICT development of telecommunications training program for low income urban infrastructure in rural areas of Latin youth, thereby enhancing their job America and the Caribbean. The prospects leading to poverty reduction benefits of such investments in and crime alleviation. telecenters should be maximized by providing Internet services and not just • Dissemination of Information – rural telephony. Shared access to these Telecenters can be used to launch services through telecenters can portals that offer public services online, increase the impact of these aimed primarily at meeting the interventions. economic and social needs of the low- • Training - ICT training interventions income population, including should be geared primarily towards educational portals using simple young people. The young adapt most language that broaden labor and self- quickly and easily and is most skilled at employment opportunities. For example, using the new technologies. Since young it can be used to provide birth people are a large group in Belize, with registration, application for permits, job the longest productive horizon ahead of and land applications etc… online using them, there is a high return on ICT. It can also be used to provide a investments aimed at improving their database of jobs and people looking for productive capacity. The starting point jobs connecting citizens, government should be the strengthening of the and the private sector. formal education system, so that it

incorporates the effective use of the new technologies. Teacher training is

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The ICT AWARENESS AND The ICT EDUCATION FOR PROMOTION program will boost COMMUNITIES PROGRAM will awareness, build interest and create a provide an enabling environment to demand for ICTs in communities across facilitate ICT literacy for all citizens but Belize. Through the initiatives in this especially children and youth. This will allow program Belizeans will become aware of the them to enter labor force with relevant ICT benefit that ICTs can have in every aspect of skills that will contribute to new revenue their lives and become familiar with the use streams that are ICT enabled. of ICT tools. This program is in fact a change program designed to create the demand for ICTs as the Connect Belize program makes the access to ICTs within reach of all

Belizeans. Major initiatives under this program include the Annual Belize ICT Roadshow, School Based ICT awareness competitions, Multimedia ICT promotions,

National Awards for ICT innovation. This should also include education regarding the legal and regulatory frameworks that are already in place in Belize for fostering a competitive ICT environment.

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CREATING JOBS – DEVELOPING THE LOCAL ICT INDUSTRY

The local ICT industry programs is designed ICT providers participate in local to create a well developed ICT services business opportunities. Additionally one sector and driving the adoption and usage of the major ICT industry growth of ICT in all dimensions of business initiatives will focus on the operations to create competitive advantage establishment of Cyber-parks for the at the business and country levels. ICT will provision of ICT related jobs by become the basis for new local business as attracting investors operating in a well as a means to increase the efficiency competitive environment. and competitiveness of established sectors. The Cyber-park initiative will train our Key aspects of the program include: youth for the industry and establish facilities including factory shells and • The provision of ICT incentives which office buildings that are equipped with focuses on creating the environment advanced ICT infrastructure. The focus that promotes and rewards the use of of the Cyber-parks will be to increase ICTs in business and the growth of the the wealth of its community by ICT industry. Various incentives will be promoting the culture of innovation and created toward this end including the competitiveness of its associated effective removal of taxes and import businesses and knowledge- based duties on ICT products and related institutions. accessories, implementing the Access to ICT Capital initiative that develops The establishment of Cyberparks for the Public/Private partnerships to provide provision of ICT related jobs has become funding to jumpstart certain ICT one of the kinds of incentives used to industries, with private sector funding attract investors operating in a knife-edge as the preferred source for capital. competitive environment in many • Nurturing the growth of a competitive developing countries. ICT sector through the implementation It is recommended that GOB and its local of the Competitive ICT Businesses and international partners seek investment initiative that will ensure that to promote the availability of workspace for competitive local ICT companies have BPOs, including factory shells and office an opportunity to become key suppliers buildings, through the creation of of GOB ICT needs and benefit from the Cyberparks. Private sector partners should knowledge transfer when international also be encouraged to invest in developing

Belize ICT National Strategy 55 these facilities. Government should consider positively joint approaches to such ventures. The objective should be to encourage the location of such facilities in areas of relevant and advantageous infrastructure, and where there is a catchment of trained and trainable human resource. Advantage will be taken of the existence of available unused structures that lend themselves to easy conversion.

Government should also consider the provision of such facilities that would allow for economies of scale in the use of shared facilities, infrastructure, and transmission equipment. .

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CYBERPARKS

INTRODUCTION

A Cyber Park according to the International Association of Science and Technology Parks (IASP) is “ An organization managed by specialized professionals, whose main aim is to increase the wealth of its community by promoting the culture of innovation and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge- based institutions. Cyber parks play a significant role in stimulating national IT development and establishing logical links with the global market through forging partnerships for developing information and telecommunication technologies. A Cyber Park can act as a catalyst to develop the business infrastructure for such a mission.

Developing countries have increasingly relied on cyber parks as a preferred tool for promotion of IT industry. These countries are often constrained by severe infrastructure limitations. Therefore, it is easier for them to provide world class infrastructure in select areas. Developing countries like India and China have concentrated on state-of-the art physical, communication and social infrastructure in cyber parks to enable IT companies from around the world to operate BPO (Business Processing Outsourcing) and ITES (International Technology Enabled Services).

Unlike other industrial clusters, cyber parks are not constrained by factors such as the availability of natural resources, or raw materials. The key resource requirement is availability of quality manpower. One of the main reasons for the success of China and India in the IT sector can be attributed to their highly educated and skilled manpower. It has been observed that cyber parks generate spillover effects, leading to a virtuous cycle of local economic development. Cyber park development helps generate the impetus to local development of industries such as building construction, real estate, retail, lifestyle and recreation.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

1. Poverty Alleviation though accelerating economic growth; 2. Job creation and career growth particularly for low-income women and youth and for technical and technology graduates; 3. Leveraging international knowledge resources to enhance a country’s economic and ICT base;

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BENEFITS OF CYBERPARKS

• Employment Growth – the local BPO • Foreign Exchange Earned – industry in Belize has already created Cyberparks are a great foreign over 1,000 jobs in the country. exchange earner as they provide the Beltraide asserts that with concerted infrastructure and human resources GOB and other local support, that for international BPOs and ITES to number could well be over 10,000 in operate in the country. For example, in five years. 2010, BPOs in Belize generated over US$18,000,000 in Belize and • Other Businesses Spread Effects – employed over 1,000 people. Cyber Parks can also create a boost Beltraide asserts that with concerted for other local industries such as the GOB and other local efforts, BPOs and local construction industry as one of ITES can generate nearly US$150 the inputs that it needs most is large Million in the next five years. working spaces. As mentioned above, Cyber park development also helps to • Local Bandwith and Technology generate the impetus to local Enhancements – The development of development of industries such as cyber parks can also spur the building construction, real estate, development of other ICT related retail, and lifestyle and recreation. enhancements such as greater local bandwidth and other IT related • Hiring of Technical and Technology technologies not currently available Graduates – Cyberparks and the locally such as VOIP. Because ICT companies located in them are always companies in the cyberparks will be looking for technical and technology requesting greater bandwith that what graduates. This is why many of them is currently available in Belize (4MB), locate near to a university or technical they will spur the local school. Beltraide intends to work with Telecommunications Providers to the ITVET and the sixth forms and provide more bandwith which can University of Belize to develop the pool then be made available to the local of skilled workers necessary for BPOs market. The same can also be said of and ITES organizations to operate ICT related technologies not currently effectively in Belize. available to the local market.

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MODERNIZING THE PUBLIC SECTOR USING ICT eGovernment programs will significantly The focus of this program will be the improve the performance of government development of a national data center through the usage of ICTs, to meet the infrastructure for GOB. This approach evolving needs of the people of Belize and will rationalize the various data create a safe society. This will be achieved storage/server rooms across through the implementation of key government to provide more effective programs & initiatives including: & efficient information management • The Connected government program and the delivery of information based focuses on implementing the Public services to Belizeans. The building of a Sector Network (GOBNet). GOBNet will National ICT Centre by the Ministry of be a single, holistic backbone the Public Service and financed by the infrastructure for the whole of the GOB Government of Taiwan, whilst an public sector. It will connect the excellent development for Belize, existing networks to enhance seems to be at this time an initiative in standardization, security, and data isolation. There is no doubt that, if sharing as well as enhancing more properly planned, the new National ICT effective communication and realize Centre can act as the Central Data cost savings. It will also replace the Centre for GOB with appropriate robust existing approach where each GOB facilities to assure (i) consolidation of ministry or department designs, ad hoc hardware; (ii) streamlined develops, installs and maintains its utilization of hardware; (iii) greater own network – an approach which has levels of security; (iv) greater levels of led to fragmented and more expensive resilience; (v) better utilization of service delivery. As well as reducing technical resources and rationalization operating costs and complexity, of such resources to the optimum level; GOBNet opens up new opportunities (vi) reduction of the Total Cost of for information sharing and increasing Ownership by ensuring that facilities local and national participation. are not replicated unnecessarily. • The GOB Information management • The Government Software Warehouse program will enable effective and (GOBApps) program will focus on the efficient management of government coordinated development and information and business continuity. acquisition of computer applications to

Belize ICT National Strategy 59

be used across GOB ministries, information and services will be departments and agencies. These delivered electronically through include (to cite a few): multiple channels including the • An enterprise-level Human eGovernment Portal, Government Resources system; information and services kiosks’ and • A unified electronic mail system, the Government information & services including collaborative tools such hotline. Government information and as calendar, documents sharing, services will also be delivered through and instant messaging; the Community Access Center initiative • Financial Information systems and the Mobile ICT Classroom • The integrated development of a initiatives identified above. National Security system including • The eGovernment Interoperability & the Judiciary, Prisons, Immigration, open standards program will establish Police Department, Belize Defense GOB’s e-Government Interoperability Force, Coast Guard, and Customs Framework (e-GIF) that sets out the Department; government’s technical policies and • The National Health Information specifications for achieving system; interoperability and Information and • Geo-Spatial Data Management; Communication Technology (ICT) • Data warehouse and analytical systems coherence across the public tools for easy access to economic sector. The e-GIF defines the essential indicator; prerequisites for joined-up and web- enabled government. It is a • A comprehensive School cornerstone policy in the overall e- Management system Government strategy. The main thrust • A secure and effective Vital of the e-GIF is to adopt standardized Registration System that has specifications for all government country-wide reach; systems, and establishing and • e- learning systems and distance implementing metadata across the education systems public sector so that as the GOB • The Government information & becomes connected and government services online program will make information and services become available all appropriate government available online citizens can find information through channels that are government information and resources easy to access by citizens. Government

Belize ICT National Strategy 60

more easily. The e-GIF initiative focuses transformational change for the nation on developing the necessary policy and as a whole. also providing the support, best • The eProcurement program will enable practice guidance, toolkits and efficient and effective procurement of centrally agreed schemas to Ministries ICT products and services to achieve and government agencies to subscribe more targeted ICT investment and to the e-GIF and make the transition to maximizing the value that the GOB the policy requirements. In addition, receives from expenditure on ICT the program will outline the requisite products and services given the ISO standards applicable to ICT in e- complexity of the ICT environment and government. the speed of technological change. The • The ICT Governance & Continuity initiatives under this program will program will establish the GOB establish the necessary policy, Department of Information and financing mechanisms and Communication Technology that is led technological infrastructure to Plan, by a Chief Information Technology organize, and coordinate a strategic Officer/CEO whose function is to and common ICT procurement function provide leadership on all GOB ICT including supply arrangements. related issues and to strengthen the

governance mechanisms for coordination and decision-making. This will be discussed further in the

governance model. The creation of a government information and communication department including

the Chief Information Technology

Officer (CITO/CEO) function, combined with the other eGovernment programs and initiatives, will make GOB a leader

in government use of ICT, and will enable it to further drive substantial improvements in service delivery and

Belize ICT National Strategy 61

Summary of Key Programs

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE PROJECTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

1. Enhancing and To create a vibrant, • Develop a comprehensive • A widely dispersed national ICTs substantially Harmonizing competitive and open and sound competitive telecommunications infrastructure with enhances the National telecommunication framework for broadband penetration into rural & urban development of Infrastructure industry that enables communications services Belize the Belizean the availability and • Develop an additional • Build provider confidence in the provision economy, national accessibility of quality Internet backbone of services via ICT enabled channels productivity, and affordable • Maintain an independent, • Improved penetration of computers efficiency and telecommunication effective, fair and throughout homes and businesses innovation; services to transparent • A majority of the population are regular consumers and Telecommunications Internet users fostering social and Regulatory Authority • Public Internet access available to all economic benefits to • Allow for the competitive citizens (within 20 minutes travel) the country development of Internet • 75% of children and youth in Belize over services in Belize the age of five are regular ICT users • Create a universal access fund • Delivery of triple-play services (Voice, Data and Video) under one single platform 2. ICT In To Infuse all aspects • Develop an ICT • ICT programs available to youth and An educated and Education of the education Curriculum for lifelong adults who have not completed high trained Belizean systems with ICTs for learning school or who may wish to better improve workforce and improved delivery • Develop ICT facilities in their learning capacity citizenry (in and learning, and schools including o All schools connected via high-speed particular the access to education broadband internet, Internet service; youth), possessing by all Smart classrooms and o Online education from primary school the required ICT Learning Labs level available Attitudes, • Develop ICT Capacity for • All teachers, facilitators, instructors and Knowledge and teachers and librarians librarians received ICT training for delivery Skill Sets to fully including providing of curriculum and support services, which utilize ICTs’ in teachers internet and a includes students with special needs. their lifelong laptop learning;

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3. Develop an To create a well • Develop and legislate a • Business and commerce in Belize A well-developed effective e- developed ICT Common Electronic significantly improved ICT Service Sector, Commerce services sector and Payment system • Trade significantly improved through the managed and Infrastructure driving the adoption • Develop a Single Widow implementation of trade enhancing ICT staffed by and usage of ICT in Trading System initiatives such as a Single Window qualified ICT all dimensions of • Develop consumer Trading System for Businesses and Professionals; business operations confidence initiatives Entrepreneur, online systems for all to create competitive • Digital Certification and imports and exports. advantage at the Authentication • e-Commerce legislation in place that business and country • Intellectual Property provides protection from fraud and from levels Protection misleading and unfair conduct and commercial practices, respect for consumer privacy, private sector initiatives, global cooperation, consumer and business education, and effective means of dispute resolution. • Legal and Regulatory Framework in place that outlines standards in authentication technologies that help identify parties to electronic business transactions, and provide means by which they can reliably sign documents, assent to transactions, and verify documents' integrity • Legal and Regulatory Framework in place provide Legal protection of intellectual property in the online environment for the creation of local content 4. Connect Belize To bring the benefit • The connect Rural Belize • improved connectivity for rural Belize Universal and – Bridging the of ICTs into all initiative which will provide rural residents access Open Access to digital divide segments of the • The Community Access to information, training and digital ICTs by all of population, including Center (Telecenters) opportunities leading to poverty reduction Belize to develop people who are initiative • Public Services and online education and as a knowledge disadvantaged due to • ICT awareness, and training available to all residents based society education, age, promotion and ICT • Heightened awareness, interest and gender, disabilities, education for demand for ICTs in communities across ethnicity, and/or communities Belize those living in remote regions as well as promote democratic governance

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5. Creating jobs To create 5,000 new • The provision of ICT • Creation of an enabling environment that At least 5,000 by developing jobs in five years by incentives initiative promotes and rewards the use of ICTs in new ICT related the ICT Industry developing the ICT • Competitive ICT business and the growth of the ICT jobs created in Industry Businesses initiative industry Belize over the • The Cyberpark Initiative • The creation of a vibrant, competitive and next five years open local ICT industry by removing barriers to entry in-order to reduce cost and increase range of services. • At least 5,000 jobs created

6. Modernizing Significantly improve • The Public Sector • Harmonized ICT infrastructure and Improved the Public the performance of Network (GOBNet) systems across the public sector ensuring efficiency of the Sector Using government through • GOB Information fully integrated, interoperable, efficient public service and ICT the usage of ICTs, to management project and effective service delivery effective delivery meet the evolving • The Government Software • All ministries integrated through the use of public services needs of the people Warehouse (GOBApps) of ICTs based on citizen of Belize and create a project • ICTs actively leveraged in the reform of needs through the safe society • The Government the public service use of ICTs information & services • All appropriate government information online project and services available online • The eGovernment • Standard policy framework for information Interoperability & open management within Government standards project • Citizen centric channels of information • The ICT Governance & and service delivery are available utilizing Continuity project ICTs to reach all citizens • The e-Procurement • Government services delivered in a way project that increases citizen confidence in the public sector

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCING THE NATIONAL STRATEGY

Telecommunications services are UNIVERSAL ACCESS FUND FEATURES increasingly considered by governments Universal access funds receive finance around the world as a basic necessity of from various sources and provide targeted citizens, essential to full participation in subsidies to encourage the provision of the ‘new information economy’. In the telecommunications services by private past, monopoly operators had to assume operators in otherwise uneconomic the costs of meeting the country’s regions. These funds can be distinguished universal access objectives. These on the basis of three key features: operators had to finance the delivery of essential telephone services to 1. Sources for funding. Universal access uneconomic regions mainly through cross funds can be distinguished by their subsidies, which flowed from profitable sources for funding. Depending on the market segments (e.g. international, long- country and its particular situation, the distance, business users, urban) to less sources for funding have included profitable market segments (e.g. national budgets of governments, domestic, local, residential users, rural). charges on interconnecting services, levies on subscribers (e.g. on access While cross-subsidies served their lines) and levies on operator revenues. purpose in monopoly environments, they Funding from international create problems in newly competitive development agencies is also an environments. In particular, cross- option. Universal access funds today subsidies have been known to distort tend to collect their revenues from market signals and place an unfair burden government sources or operator levies on certain operators. To finance their on a widely based range of access objectives in a competitively telecommunications services (as neutral and transparent manner, an opposed to only from specific “high increasing number of countries are now margin services”, like international turning to universal access funds. long- distance). Broad based revenue

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because they have less of a price however, many of today’s newer funds distorting effect on the marketplace. also support public access to value- added services, including Internet 2. Fund management. Universal access access. In Chile, the government has funds can differ in their management. redefined its fund, which has been While some funds (e.g. Colombia) are successful in extending basic administered by government telecommunications to rural and low- ministries, other funds are income areas, to support telecenter administered by the regulators (e.g. projects. The Fund is expected to soon Peru, Chile) or special agencies (e.g. launch a national telecenters program. South Africa). The common perception The initial phase will be a pilot project is that funds administered by involving the development of five self- independent regulators and agencies sustaining community telecenters in are less likely to be influenced by various lower income urban and rural government or political interest. areas of Chile. An initial target is to 3. Type of services. Thirdly, universal install telecenters in each of about 90 access funds can also be municipal headquarters towns with distinguished by the types of services over 8,000 rural inhabitants. they support. Developing country The following table provides a brief funds in the past have placed greater summary of some of the emphasis on ensuring basic public telecommunications funds that are either access (i.e. voice-grade fixed access to planned or have been implemented in the public telecommunications developing countries and emerging network). With the growing importance markets. of the Internet to national economies,

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Fund Country Fund Status Funding Source Disbursement of Funds Administrator

Government to determine based on its 1% of all operators' Operators goal to increase fixed Argentina Planned gross revenues (virtual fund) teledensity to 0.35 and mobile teledensity to 0.20 1% of service providers’ gross Anatel, operational revenues Brazil Operational regulatory --- earned from the agency provision of telecom services Subtel, Subsidies distributed Chile Operational Government's budget regulatory through competitive agency bidding (lowest bid wins) 2% levy on the revenues of the NTA (Nepal Subsidies distributed Nepal Operational incumbent operator, Telecom through competitive ISPs and mobile Authority) bidding operators

It is recommended that Belize institute a 1–2% levy of telecommunication operator’s gross monthly income, ISPs, mobile phone operators, cable TV companies and radio station operators to assist in funding the National ICT strategy. It is estimated that over $1.5 Million per year can be raised from this levy. As well, this figure will be used as counterpart funding to secure grants from international partners to assist in funding of special projects.

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NATIONAL ICT STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

Implementation of the National ICT civil society, foreign investors and the Strategy is outlined as a planned and international development agencies; collaborative approach. Public/Private • The involvement of all stakeholders in partnerships will be pursued as the modus the execution and the continuing operandi of strategy implementation. The development of the action plan to role of the international development and accompany this National ICT Strategy; funding communities will also be actively • Rigorous pursuit of outcomes outlined promoted, particularly in terms of the within the Strategy. transfer of information, benchmarking and The National ICT Strategy will also seek to keeping abreast of developments in the attract local and foreign investors and sector. development grants through various investment packages and incentives, GOB will encourage the private sector, civil sufficient workspace with supporting society and international development technology infrastructure, as well as a pool agencies working in Belize to partner with of trained workers and professional staff. government in building out infrastructure, Potential investors and development in developing Belize’s human resources, in agencies will be aggressively targeted providing jobs and in taking on through a focused promotional strategy. development activities related to the ICT strategy for the socio-economic development of the country. Integral to the implementation process will be:

• GOB’s leadership (along with the private sector, foreign investors and its international partners) and the commitment of resources; • Smart partnerships with key sectors from private sector,

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PROPOSED ICT GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The Proposed ICT Governance Structure is presented in Figure 14 below. The guiding policy- making body for the governance structure would be the Cabinet acting though a Cabinet ICT Committee. This Committee would be chaired by the Minister of the Public Service and would be comprised of the following members: • The Minister of the Public Service – Chairperson • The CEO in the Prime Minister’s Office – Vice Chair • The CEO in the Ministry of Finance • The CEO in the Ministry of Economic Development • The CEO in the Ministry of the Public Service • The CEO in the Ministry of Labor • The CEO in the Ministry of Health • The CEO in the Ministry of Education • The Director of Beltraide • The ICT Chief Information Technology Officer • The Private Sector Advisors specializing in different areas of ICT, Strategic Planning and Business Transformation Figure 14 Proposed ICT Governance Structure

Cabinet

Minister of the Public Service with reponsibilities for ICT

Chief Information Officer (CIO) Cabinet National ICT Committee Minister of Public Service, CEO Office CIO's Council of the Prime Minister, CEO Ministry of GOB Senior ICT Finance, CEO Ministry of Economic Private Sector Development, CEO Ministry of International Partners Education, CEO Ministry of Labor, CEO Civil Society Ministry of Health, BELTRAIDE, ICT Advisors (Private Sector) Chair, Minister of the Public Service

Government eProcurement & National Programs e-Government ManPower Operation Center Resources Unit (GOVApps) Unit Development Unit (GOVNet) Unit Mobilization Unit

Staff Staff Staff Staff Staff

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This Cabinet ICT Committee would be the • A mandate to provide independent and chief policy-making body for implementing authoritative advice for major ICT the ICT National Strategy. It will be tasked investments – The CITO should provide with the following: expert input into all ICT-related bids and ensure all major ICT investments are • Setting collaborative strategies and consistent with agreed strategic achieving cooperation across ministries priorities and architecture standards; and agencies in order to transform • government processes and deliver more Strong mechanisms for GOB integrated services; collaboration and decision-making – Management of the GOB ICT agenda • Facilitating a “big picture” approach to should be directed through the Cabinet ICT issues with agencies responsible for ICT Committee of which the Minister of individual ICT arrangements; the Public Service should chair. In • Encouraging a cooperative approach to addition, peer assessments between decision on standards, investment, GOB CEOs and Ministry/Department ICT security, privacy, shared infrastructure, managers and administrators should be and reuse of intellectual property; and, introduced to ensure the ongoing • Ensuring that decisions reflect the effectiveness of collaboration impact and benefits across government, arrangements. The CITO will also work rather than on individual agencies along with a CITO Council comprised of alone. senior GOB ICT Directors, and key ICT A centralized GOB ICT Department will be private sector, academic institutions, created under the direction of a Chief civil society and international Information Technology Officer. The Chief development partners who provide Information Technology Officer’s function advice and guidance on the should include: implementation of the national ICT Strategy; • Authority for driving the change agenda • The CITO should have an office – The CITO should be at the Chief equipped with individuals capable of Executive Officer level and should also focusing on ICT strategy, policy and be a full member of the CEO Caucus architecture as well as an officer with responsible for providing executive grant writing/resource mobilization steerage of the national ICT agenda; skills to secure funding for GOB ICT

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related initiatives. The CITO office The new GOB ICT Department’s core should focus on GOB ICT management business activities consist of five units: and provide the necessary strategy, • National Programs Unit policy and architecture capabilities to • The Government ICT Service Center: drive the standardization agenda. Government Ops Center and Technology The ICT Department will be charged with Unit implementing the National ICT Strategy • E-Government (GOV/Apps) Unit; under the direction of the ICT Cabinet • Manpower Development Unit; Committee chaired by the Minister of the • e-Procurement and Financing Unit. Public Service. It will also work in tandem with a Chief Information Officer’s Council comprised of GOB senior ICT officers, and THE NATIONAL PROGRAM UNIT private sector, civil society, academic institutions and international development The National Program Unit will coordinate partners. This Council will work with the national level projects with other Chief Information Technology Officer and implementing agencies such as the his/her units to: implementation of cyberparks and telecenters in Belize. This unit will work with • Co-develop an Action Plan designed to agencies such as Beltrade, the private implement the National ICT Strategy sector, civil society and international including program ownership, development partners to initiate national resourcing and prioritization; programs designed to increase jobs and • Advise on the progress of the internet access for enhanced democratic implementation of the ICT Action Plan; governance, particularly to rural areas of • Discuss policies and standards the country. proposed by the Department and advise on implementation of agreed upon policies and standards; THE GOVERNMENT OPS • Raise and discuss ICT issues with cross CENTER UNIT government and national impact, as The Government Ops Center will consist of well as advising on the agenda for the multiple facilities designed to provide ICT Department’s policy making; services to government entities. These • Advising on resource mobilization services can be divided into two main efforts by the Department. categories:

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Network Services - The Secure Government The Objectives of the Government Ops Network (SGN) is a government-wide Center are: network providing a controlled, secure and • To reduce costs by leveraging a high-throughput service. All government common infrastructure across entities will be connected to this service multiple applications and data and SGN is the sole provider of connectivity content. This will drive down the need between government departments. To for infrastructure to support individual manage the SGN, the ICT Department will applications. This will in turn drive operate a Network Government Ops Center down the cost to deliver these (NOC) that closely monitors network capabilities; performance and bandwidth utilization. • To increase quality of service. A single Connectivity to the Internet is via the SGN. release-management infrastructure, In order to meet the required security with a common set of processes, standards and achieve economy of scale procedures and tools, creates a more benefits, connection via SGN is the sole stable environment. source of Internet connectivity for • To consolidate resources and skill government entities. sets. Concentrating the required Data Center Services - Data centers are competencies in one team, will reduce constructed specifically for large-scale data the cost of hiring, training and storage and information technology keeping scarce qualified IT staff; processing needed to operate government • To enhance security. Using a shared IT applications, email services and Web infrastructure with common sites. They are designed to minimize procedures across the applications hazards from electrical power failure, fire, and associated data will provide the water damage, acts of nature, and ability to maintain a single unauthorized access. Data is backed up government security policy; regularly and the data center is provided • To decrease time to market by with a mirrored fail-over facility that is able enabling government entities to to take control of the government systems introduce their information and in the event of a disaster. The secure data services to their users in a faster centers are provided with high speed, dual manner, making use of the already connectivity communications links to the existing services offered by the SGN, Internet, and fail-over facility. Government Ops Center.

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• To increase compatibility. The use of • Business processes redesign (BPR) of common platforms, procedures and Government tools makes integration of new • Services development defining which applications easier and also provides services are to be offered through e- excellent scalability. Government and developing and launching these services • Content Management including THE E-GOVERNMENT UNIT standards, forms, languages, look and The objectives of the e-Government Unit are feel, use of logos etc.; this also includes summarized as follows content management for the National Information System. • Reduce the costs of government and • Infrastructure - The following associated business transactions by infrastructure building blocks are streamlining government processes and defined for e-Government services: procedures; • Increase the effectiveness of 1. Access layer (PC’s, mobile devices, government in dealing with interactions internet kiosk) with citizens and businesses. 2. Gateway layer (data conversion, messaging, transaction engine and The main concept of e-Government is to workflow, authentication, Portal view government as a supplier of services etc.) and citizens/businesses as customers 3. Shared services layer: the Secure wanting to use those services. This involves Government Network (SGN) a fundamental change in the culture and operating practices of government and the perception of government by both citizens THE MANPOWER and businesses. DEVELOPMENT UNIT One of the most significant objectives the In line with the above this department National ICT Strategy is to use ICT as a consists of two focus areas: major contributor to the social and 1. Services and processes economic development of Belize. To 2. Infrastructure accelerate the use of ICT the new ICT Department must act fast in implementing The key functions of the e-Government unit ICT development programs for its Belizeans are: and Belizean businesses. The ICT

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Department must be used as a catalyst and 2. Develop and recommend e- accelerator towards this end. Procurement policies and procedures to The underlying objectives of the Manpower GOB; Development Unit are threefold: 3. Work with international development partners, investors and the local private 1. Developing the skills of the nation sector to maximize resource (citizens and businesses) through mobilization for the implementation of programs using ICT and/ or teaching the strategy; ICT; 4. Develop guidelines for and manage the 2. Developing the ICT skills of government Universal Access Fund. employees; 3. Developing and continuously improving Finally, key elements of the GOB ICT the skills of the ICT Department staff governance model should be mirrored in ministries and departments. In particular, The Manpower Development Unit will ministries, departments and external actively focus on the latter two objectives. In agencies should ensure their internal addition it will support the various National governance arrangements support the more Programs in achieving the first objective. coordinated GOB approach to ICT. They This department will not employ actual need to establish effective mechanisms to trainers but will set up training programs align business and ICT strategies and plans, based on the various needs and job and to establish ministries/department requirements within government; the actual positions in relation to GOB wide ICT related training will be done by private sector issues. companies.

THE E-PROCUREMENT AND FINANCING UNIT

The objectives of the e-Procurement and

Financing Unit are fourfold:

1. Advise GOB on large ICT procurement contracts from a technical and financial perspective;

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CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

The following must be in place (critical success factors) for the National ICT Strategy to be successful:

• Senior Government sponsorship at the CEO and Ministerial level; • Viewed and positioned as a National Development Initiative – not only as a Government IT Initiative; • Broad national engagement involving government, industry, academia, NGO’s and civil society; • Understanding that Education and HR Development (with a special focus on Youth) are as much the keys to sustainable ICT development and growth as ICT infrastructure; • Telecommunications affordability and maximum available bandwidth; • Identifying true breakthrough opportunities in the e-Marketplace in Belize; • e-Government as a catalyst – “early adopter, model user”; • A solid governance structure led by expert stakeholders from government, civil society and the private sector.

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APPENDIX

APPENDIX A - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

E-Data Limited and the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance Improvement, Elections and Boundaries and Sports would like to acknowledge the following stakeholders who actively participated and contributed to the development of the National ICT Strategy.

Number Person Organization 1 Pedro Alonzo Atlantic Bank Ltd. 2 Elvis Saravia Auditor General’s Office 3 Dr. Carla Barnett Barnett and Company 4 Jose Cardona Belize Bank Ltd. 5 Clinton Williams Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry 6 Alyssa R. Carnegie Belize Information Service 7 Lucisla Castillo Belize Library Service 8 Harry Noble Belize Police Department 9 Inaldi Cardona Belize Police Department 10 Mario Alcozer Belize Police Department 11 Jose Riverol Belize Telemedia Limited 12 Moshea Smith Belize Telemedia Limited 13 Rafael Marin Belize Telemedia Limited 14 Winston Aspinal Belize Telemedia Limited 15 Harrison Cooper Belize Trade and Investment Development (BELTRAIDE) 16 Michael Singh Belize Trade and Investment Development (BELTRAIDE) 17 Lourdes Smith Business Computer Systems 18 Rabey Cruz Central Bank of Belize 19 Chao-Kuei Hung Chaoyang University of Technology 20 Eddie Webster Clerk of the National Assembly 21 K. Mustafa Toure Consultant 22 Therese Martinez Customs Department 23 Emil Matute Department of Civil Aviation 24 Edgar Eck Department of the Environment 25 Edmund Zuniga Elections and Boundaries Department

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Number Person Organization 26 John Chang Embassy of Taiwan 27 Barry Cuthbertson Embassy of the United States of America 28 Judene Tingling Forestry Department 29 Grace Brown Fultec Systems 30 Shannia Wade General Post Office 31 Cecelia Thompson General Sales Tax Department 32 Andre Cho Geology and Petroleum Department 33 George Sosa GS-Com 32 Roger Pena GV Source Inc. 33 Anthony Andrews Housing Department 34 Antonio Madrid ICT National Center 35 Rodolfo Bol Immigration Department 36 Harold Arzu Inter-American Development Bank 37 Aniki Palacio Labor Department 38 Catherine Cumerbatch Meteorology Department 39 Michelle Longsworth Ministry of Finance 40 Gabino Canto Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries 41 Justine Swift Ministry of Defense 42 Allen Whylie Ministry of Defense and Immigration 43 Emory Suazo Ministry of Economic Development 44 Felix Girad Ministry of Economic Development 45 Lincon Blake Ministry of Economic Development 46 Yvonne Hyde Ministry of Economic Development 47 David Leacock Ministry of Education 48 Kevin Harris Ministry of Education 48 Joseph Waight Ministry of Finance 49 Louis Ayuso Ministry of Finance 50 Pablo Cawich Ministry of Finance 51 Alexis Rosado Ministry of Foreign Affairs 52 Miguel Cowo Ministry of Foreign Affairs 53 Patrick Menzies Ministry of Foreign Affairs 54 Ian Smith Ministry of Health 55 Pearl Ellis Ministry of Health

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Number Person Organization 56 Rufino Tami Ministry of Health 57 Lawrence Sylvester Ministry of Housing and Urban Development 58 Ana Williams Ministry of Human Development 59 Judith Alpuche Ministry of Human Development 60 Marion McNab Ministry of Labor 62 Beverly Castillo Ministry of Natural Resources 63 Charles Gibson Ministry of Natural Resources 64 George Lovell Ministry of Police and Public Safety 65 Rosalie Gentle Ministry of Public Utilities 66 Byron Tesecum Ministry of the Public Service 67 Dwight Gillett Ministry of the Public Service 68 Francis Crawford Ministry of the Public Service 69 Freya Parham August Ministry of the Public Service 70 Justin Palacio Ministry of the Public Service 71 Ian Tzib Ministry of Tourism 72 Candelara Morter Ministry of Transport and Communications 71 Gerson Ramarace Ministry of Works 72 Dr. Herman Byrd National Archives Department 73 Noreen Fairweather National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) 74 Diana Hendy Office of the Chief Magistrate 75 Kim Osborne Organization of American States 76 John Pinelo PC-Com 77 Audrey Wallace Prime Minister’s Office 78 Marvin Blades Public Service Union 79 John Avery Public Utilities Commission 80 Kingsley Smith Public Utilities Commission 81 Kieran Ryan Sacred Heart Junior College 82 Narda Garcia SMART 83 Reynaldo Magana SMART 84 Sean Duncan SMART 85 Merlene Bailey Martinez Social Security Board 86 Naysan Ahmadiyeh Social Security Board 87 Keene Williams Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR)

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Number Person Organization 88 Etienne Sharp Southern Cable Network 89 Glenn Avilez Statistical Institute of Belize 90 Hugo Vasquez Stella Links Limited 91 Jerry Wang Taiwan ICDF 92 Max Chung Taiwan ICDF 93 Shun Jung Tu Taiwan ICDF 94 Wen Kai Ou Taiwan ICDF 95 Te-Chao Liang Tamkang University 96 Loretta Garcia Total Business Solutions 97 Felix Enriquez Treasury Department 98 Dr. David Brown UNESCO 99 Christine Norton UNICEF 100 Shirlene Tablada UNICEF 101 Francisco Roquette United Nations Development Program 102 Omar Gale United Nations Development Program 103 Dr. Vincent Palacio University of Belize 104 Ruel Cima University of Belize 105 Sylvia Cattouse University of Belize

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APPENDIX B – ROAD MAP

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