Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a Vehicle for Economic Development: Challenges Facing the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM) States

摘要

This paper proposes to examine the potential of information and communications technology (ICT) as a vehicle for promoting the economic objectives of the Caribbean region and specifically those of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM) member states. Among the expressed objectives of CARICOM is "the strengthening, coordination and regulation of economic and trade relations in order to promote accelerated, harmonious and balanced dcvclopmcnt.(Palmcr 2002)" Understanding and appraising the nature of the challenges to be faced in leveraging the potential of ICT for the economic development of the region is a critical contribution to this cause. The current standing members are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montscrrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinamc and Trinidad and Tobago.