Definition of Data

n/a

Main Focus of Document

Strategy to improve government services overall, and to develop ICT services

Target Beneficiaries or Sector

public servants, the wider public

Key Elements

The e-Government plan identifies key areas of concentration for the country, which include, but are not limited to: (1) public sector infrastructure development -  ensuring end to end ICT and e-government services; creative regulatory platform - implementing policy and regulatory framework to ICT adoption; (3) targeted human capacity development - ensuring training and education; (4) improved government efficiency - diffusing the use of ICT by upgrading existing delivery channels; (5) effective cross-functional collaboration - developing programmes and initiatives to build the capacity for e-government. Some key details include:

This e-Government Policy is designed to eliminate existing bureaucratic silos to build a collaborative working environment where Government, the private sector and people connect in productive partnerships enabled by the transformative power of ICT. 

3.1 PUBLIC SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Programmes and Projects 
Four projects have been identified to give effect to this strategic objective: 
1. Network Consolidation – Multi-tiered GOVNET: The Government will implement a wide area network (GovNet), building upon existing network infrastructure to develop a robust, resilient, secure, high speed, fully redundant backbone to seamlessly connect all Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The network will be designed to enable Government to consolidate core services such as voice and data access, email and shared e-services platforms. 
2. Systems Consolidation - Data Centres: The Government will establish a Data Centre to house computer systems and associated components for all Ministries, Agencies and Departments. The data centre will be fully redundant, secure and facilitate the sharing of core e-government applications, providing storage and backup facilities. It will also serve as a network operations centre (NOC) for the GovNet and will be equipped to provide network monitoring and first level technical support services for all of Government. As part of its business continuity planning, the Government will establish a backup site which will enable it to continue to function and operate in the event of a failure of its main data centre. Additionally, the Government will utilise renewable energy systems and green solutions in the implementation of its data centres. 
3. VOIP and Email Migration VOIP - In support of recommendations 1 and 2 above, the Government will consolidate its voice communications into one fully integrated Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system providing “free” and seamless communications across all ministries/agencies. CITO has embarked on a project with BTL for the latter to provide a hosted VOIP solution. An assessment will be conducted to determine a migration strategy once the Government has its fully functional GOVNET and data centres, adequately equipped and staffed. Email - The Government will also implement and enforce centralized email services. This will be achieved by hosting all government mailboxes on a shared system located within the proposed data centre and ensuring that there is compliance by all Ministries and Departments.
4. Development and Standardisation of E-Services Platform: The Government will develop a standardized platform for the delivery of services electronically to its citizens. It will promote the functional integration and networking of public officers, processes and ICT infrastructure into a best-in-class model for the handling of service processes. It will provide, for citizens, residents, businesses and “internal” customers, a common approach to service delivery. 

3.2 CREATIVE REGULATORY REFORM 
Programmes and Projects: 
1. E-Government Regulatory Framework: Create a regulatory framework to cover administrative procedures for day-to-day functions and processing of digital information within government. This will ensure that government entities are authorized to conduct certain administrative functions. CITO will have oversight of the regulatory framework, IT Policies and Procedures. It will work closely with other agencies and authorities with responsibility for the overarching national legislative and regulatory agenda. 
2. Data Privacy and Electronic Transaction Legislation: Create a legal framework describing rules and procedures which will control access, security and protection of data held within government repositories. This framework will establish the principles by which data held by government can be collected, stored and used. It will include principles for reasonable access to information and define boundaries for authorised access to certain types of data, including private citizens’ data. While this initiative will form part of the wider overarching national legislative reform agenda, CITO will take responsibility for initiating its development and having oversight of its implementation and monitoring its adherence within government. 
E -Transaction – Create the legal framework for the acceptance and enforcement of electronic transactions for the purposes of E-Government and government electronic services.

3.6 ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY 
Programmes and Projects 
1. Mobile Broadband Public Safety Network: The Government will establish a network dedicated to public safety and community use to ensure network capacity and capabilities are always available when required. Data carried over the network will be secured using the advanced encryption techniques specified by international standards bodies appropriate for public safety network use. It will enable such services as real time mobile video, vehicular traffic management and training of law enforcement and public safety officials. It will serve as a platform for real-time inter-agency communications to enable new types of integrated planning. 
2. Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT): The Government will establish a CSIRT which will be responsible for the dissemination of cyber security information; technical guidance and support in the event of a cyber-incident; collaboration between and among government entities at the national level, the private sector, academia, and the international CSIRT community. The establishment of a CSIRT will be one key element in a wider national policy and strategy on cybersecurity which will be developed to facilitate and address key cyber issues, including:  to create a secure digital environment;  to provide a governance framework for all cyber security matters;  to protect the physical, virtual and intellectual assets of citizens, organizations and the State;  to ensure the safety of all citizens by promoting awareness and mitigation of cyber risks;  to protect critical infrastructure and secure information networks;  to minimize damage and recovery times; and to create the appropriate legal and regulatory framework. CITO will work alongside the National Authorised Ministry/Agency responsible for Cybercrime and Cybersecurity in formulating a National Policy, Strategy and Action Plan on Cybersecurity, and assist in addressing its strategic mandate.

Policy/Regulation Mirrors

n/a