Definition of Data

n/a

Main Focus of Document

Utilization of ICT to connect the government and Belizeans

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

citizens

Key Elements

Provides an analysis of the status of ICT in the country and a road map for improving the same. Key details include:

3. Strategic Intervention Areas
Analysis of WEF and other global rankings, comprehensive exchanges with stakeholders, research into the local ICT
sector, and uncovering of global best practices have resulted in identification of the seven strategic themes this
Policy will use to guide E-Government development and implementation in Belize over the course of the next three
to five years.
These seven strategic themes are:
1. Public Sector Infrastructure Development
•     To build out a world-class Government Wide-Area Network (GWAN) for the Belize public sector using common and shared platforms
•     To enable delivery of robust, seamless, user-friendly, end-to-end e-government and ICT services internally and to external clients
•     To design and deploy a central enterprise infrastructure and platform for government-related ICT services
•     To simplify and standardise infrastructure and management, reduce costs and complexity, and improve security
•     To establish a network connecting ministries, departments and agencies as well as a data centre to house critical public infrastructure systems

2. Creative Regulatory Reform
•     To designate/create a central implementation and oversight department to manage national e-government initiatives (CITO)
•     To design and implement pioneering policy and regulatory approaches to ICT adoption and usage in the public service, in accordance with the overarching national regulatory reform agenda, that allow e-government to flourish in a secure environment
•     To streamline public service e-government governance for improved collaboration and service delivery

3. Targeted Human Capacity Development
•     To shape public sector frameworks for training, education and career-long learning that bridge significant existing deficiencies in individual and overall human capacity
•     To enable a new culture across the e-government workforce using performance- and achievement-based human capital management
•     To develop superb skills, shared standards and key performance targets

4. Improved Government Efficiency
•     To make government a model ICT user and leader
•     To enhance public sector responsiveness and the diffusion and use of ICT
•     To optimise already existing delivery channels
•     To increase the number of delivery channels
•     To design new content and services, change the culture of bureaucracy and develop governance models that support e-government development
•     To reform backend support processes and operations 

5. Effective Cross-Functional Collaboration
•     To develop programmes and initiatives to build capacity for e-government-related research and innovation
•     To develop an internal public service culture that discourages territorial behaviour, improves collaboration, increases knowledge exchange, and supports sharing of experiences within and between various entities

6. Enhanced National Security
•     To improve government capability to respond to natural/man-made disasters affecting government’s assets, infrastructure and citizens’ data security and privacy
•     To instil confidence by creating an environment that is safe to conduct business with and within government and to carry out day-to-day activities
•     To build technical and legislative capacity to respond to, mitigate and protect against cybercrime and offences against the public sector

7. Quality Social Services
•     To create and enhance service delivery channels that embody “Government At Your Service”, “Working Together Works”, and "Many Agencies, One Government"
•     To raise awareness of ICT initiatives in Government via an e-government communication plan
•     To support the most vulnerable groups in society
•     To support equitable service delivery across various ethnicities and socio-economic classes

4.3.6 ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY
Policy Statement
The Government of Belize will apply ICT frameworks uniformly across all national security-related public service
entities in ways that remove existing silos, promote close collaboration, encourage active exchange of information,
and contribute to a national sense that law and order is being appropriately maintained.
In addition, ICT frameworks will be applied, as part of the wider national security agenda, to ensure that all
government network infrastructure is secure, resilient and private. Cyber security measures will be instituted
within all aspects of inter and intra government interaction. Government and citizen’s information and records will
be captured, stored and disseminated with the level of security, protection and privacy in keeping with
international standards and best practice. 

Purpose
This policy commitment is designed to give support to the overall National Policy and Strategy on Security,
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, particularly with respect to establishing a secure and protected setting where e-government can flourish and function effectively. It is also designed to give effect to the vision contained in
Horizon 2030 that “the state is respectful of people’s rights; citizens and visitors respect the rule of law and feel
safe and secure.” It also supports the position as contained in the Medium Term Development Strategy that
“increasing levels of crime as well as continuing interest in securing citizens’ well-being, require focus on national as
well as citizen security issues. This area will therefore encompass those measures that will lend to improved border
security and reduced levels of crime.”

Scope
This policy statement affects the government’s security and disaster management apparatus, as well as all those
involved with, or affected by, considerations of national security in Belize.
It has implications for laws and regulations related to security and/or disaster management in Belize.
It addresses the lack of cohesion in security and disaster management at the national level.

Governance and Management
The central implementation and oversight agency to be identified by government and designated to manage
national e-government initiatives is expected to take the lead role in giving effect to this policy statement.
Ministries, departments and agencies of government responsible for security and disaster management will play
subsidiary roles in this regard.

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

National E-Government Strategy and Work plan