Press Release

Antigua and Barbuda Embarks on Digitalization Initiative with Digital Readiness Assessment Workshop, Paving the Way for a Digital Future

26 June 2023

Man standing in blazer at podium with man on screen behind him, and two flags behind him. — Caption: Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq during the Panel Discussion. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is committed to making the country a digital leader in the Caribbean. The digitalization initiative is a key step towards achieving this goal.

Photo: © RCO/Andrea Andrew

St. John’s, June 26, 2023: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is seeking to embark on an important digitalization initiative to transform the country’s digital landscape.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Information Communications Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, in collaboration with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, held a Digital Readiness Assessment Workshop, which will provide rapid high-level insights into Antigua and Barbuda’s digital strengths and weaknesses.

The Workshop brought together stakeholders from across the various government ministries and departments, private sector, and civil society to complete a Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) survey. The DRA is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that provides a rapid assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of Government’s current digital status and derives future action plans to improve and or develop a comprehensive digital strategy.

In addressing the launch, Minister of Information Communications Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, Melford Nicholas, gave assurances of Government’s commitment towards creating a digital Antigua and Barbuda in fulfillment of the SDGs.

“The Ministry welcomes the involvement of this UN initiative that will no doubt increase the awareness of all UN stakeholders regarding the promise and indeed the challenges that are before us on our journey to digital transformation,” he added.

Delivering opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator for, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq commended the Government for prioritizing digitalization, and for its vision of creating a digital Antigua and Barbuda, through the deployment of digital infrastructure and services that reaches all citizens, residents, and visitors to support their livelihoods and wellbeing.

“Today’s Digital Readiness Assessment is a key milestone for realizing this important vision. Following this critical survey exercise will be several activities, which will culminate in a digital transformation framework, providing the Government with specific projects to be implemented,” he explained, while pleading the UN’s commitment to “supporting Caribbean Governments to enhance digital transformation in key sectors including agriculture, MSMEs, education, justice, disaster management and the environment.”

The COVID pandemic undoubtedly highlighted the importance of digital technologies, and significantly increased its demand when school, work, and major services ground to a halt. Digital technologies provided the continuity the world needed when there would have been no other options.

The Government of Antigua believes that the digital readiness assessment is a critical step towards building a digital Antigua and Barbuda.

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Media Contacts:

Carol A. Gaskin

Resident Coordinator Office,

Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy

Email: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org | Tel: +1 (246) 467-6110; Mobile +1 (246) 832-6110

Andrea Andrew

Resident Coordinator Office,

Country Coordination Officer, Antigua and Barbuda

Email: andrea.andrew@un.org | Tel: +1 (268) 720 6192

Andrea Andrew

RCO

UN Country Coordination Officer – Antigua and Barbuda

andrea.andrew@un.org (268) 720 6192

Andrea is the UN Country Coordination Officer for Antigua and Barbuda. In this role, she acts as the main point of contact between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, its national ministries, and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO). Her responsibilities involve facilitating connections between the country's various initiatives and collaborating closely with focal points, national coordinators, designated counterparts, and national authorities.

One of Andrea's primary tasks is to provide support and oversee the progress of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Antigua and Barbuda. She also plays a crucial role in supporting and monitoring the implementation of Country Implementation Plans. This includes coordinating activities related to Joint Programmes associated with these plans.

Furthermore, Andrea is involved in ensuring preparedness and response measures for crisis management. She provides support in terms of planning and readiness for potential emergencies and contributes to effective communication during crisis situations. Additionally, she engages in advocacy efforts to maintain and strengthen relationships and partnerships with various stakeholders.

Overall, Andrea's role as the UN Country Coordination Officer entails facilitating cooperation between the government, national ministries, and the UN RCO. She supports the implementation of SDGs, monitors Country Implementation Plans, coordinates Joint Programmes, contributes to crisis management preparedness, and engages in effective communication and advocacy for building and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships.

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.

UN entities involved in this initiative

RCO

United Nations Resident Coordinator Office

Goals we are supporting through this initiative