ICT National Strategy

Definitions of Data:

n/a

Main Focus of Document:

To develop ICT services for the improvement of Belizeans' lives

Target Beneficiaries or Sectors:

citizens

Key Elements:

A collaborative approach to the development of ICT which includes the government, the private sector and civil society. The Strategy seeks to achieve universal access to ICTs; open and affordable ICTs; infusing all aspects of the education sector with ICTs; driving e-commerce by creating and adopting ICT usage in all aspects of businesses. Key details include:

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 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.

Major Objectives The achievements 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 identifies to ensure that important and critical elements of national development are addressed. • E-Inclusion – Bringing the benefit of ICTs into all segments of the population, including people who are disadvantaged due to education, age, gender, income, disabilities, ethnicity, and/or those living in remote regions. • e-Government – significantly improve the performance of government through the usage of ICTs, to meet the evolving needs of the people of Belize and create a safe society. • Open ICT – Creating a vibrant, competitive and open telecommunication industry that enables the availability and accessibility of quality and affordable telecommunication services to consumers and fosters social and economic benefits to the country. • e-Health – Significantly improving the delivery of primary and secondary health care through the infusion of ICTs in the health care system and empowering better life choices by citizens, especially those in remote rural communities by enabling access to health information and services empowered by ICTs.