Chairman of iGovTT, Ria Karim, has outlined a bold vision for citizen-centred digital transformation.
Speaking to government officials, telecom operators, communication regulatory bodies, and technology industry experts from across the Caribbean at the 42nd CANTO Annual General Meeting in Port of Spain, she said without coordinated leadership and investment, digital initiatives cannot achieve their full potential
“Digital strategy fails when policy, regulation, investment, and delivery are not aligned. So in order to achieve the desired digital modernisation goals, we must have policy leadership that sets directions, regulatory guardrails that protect the public interest, investment priorities focused on shared national capability, and delivery capacity that actually translates intent into working services for citizens.”
Ms. Karim noted that the government understands its role in transforming the digital landscape.
“The government recognises that a strong legislative agenda which protects data and privacy while engendering trust, security, and interoperability is a critical driver of digital transformation.”
She said citizens experience government by accessing services like making a passport appointment, finding a job, or paying for a driver’s permit.
“Platforms like GovPayTT, e-appointments, EmployTT, and Anansi and the soon-to-be rolled out VerifyTT are not just technical solutions, they are mechanismd for reducing friction, improving access, and building trust when citizens have to do these things and more. For industry, this matters, because citizen-centred digital government improves ease of doing business, creates consistent digital interfaces with the State, and increases adoption, which is essential for scale.”
CANTO Caribbean’s 42nd Annual General Meeting will continue through February 3rd.