- dev.unit@gov.kn
- Mon - Fri: 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
WE LIVE TECHNOLOGY!
GSKN Digital Transformation Project
About the Project
As the Government continues its path to digitisation by implementing the Whole of Government Technology Strategy, it proposes initiatives under three basic elements: People Transformation, Process Transformation, and Technology Transformation. Central to the transformation process is the setting up of the governance structure that has been proposed under the rubric of People Transformation. As a result, work will be undertaken to assess the human capacity required to support the digital transformation process.
A key focus of our digital transformation is the development of an Electronic identification (e-ID) card. The goal of this electronic system is to establish a trusted authentication framework for the verification and validation of a citizen’s digital identity. The system will meet the most up-to-date technical and information security standards to ensure a trusted ecosystem for the delivery of digital services.
E-ID is a digital method of establishing a citizen’s identity so they can use the internet to access government services. This is intended to provide customers with the opportunity to sign electronic documents with a digital signature and on-line authentication. This makes it easier for citizens to access on-line government services and streamline operations in both the public and private sectors.
Digital Transformation
As the Government continues its path to digitisation by implementing the Whole of Government Technology Strategy, it proposes initiatives under three basic elements: People Transformation, Process Transformation, and Technology Transformation. Central to the transformation process is the setting up of the governance structure that has been proposed under the rubric of People Transformation. As a result, work will be undertaken to assess the human capacity required to
support the digital transformation process.
A key focus of our digital transformation is the development of an Electronic identification (e-ID) card. The goal of this electronic system is to establish a trusted authentication framework for the verification and validation of a citizen's digital identity. The system will meet the most up-to-date technical and information security standards to ensure a trusted ecosystem for the delivery of digital services.
E-ID is a digital method of establishing a citizen's identity so they can use the internet to access government services. This is intended to provide customers with the opportunity to sign electronic documents with a digital signature and on-line authentication. This makes it easier for citizens to access on-line government services and streamline operations in both the public and private sectors.
Digital Infrastructure Development
St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the regional Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort from September 11th to 12th, 2023, to promote the development of the region's digital infrastructure. At the end of the two-day forum, the St. Kitts and Nevis Internet Exchange Point (SKNIX) was launched.
The SKNIX is now considered a critical component of our internet infrastructure, a resource for national development, and a public utility. This is a central point for the delivery of critical national ICT services. It will advance the proliferation of homegrown content services and improve the cybersecurity protection of domestic internet traffic. This means data originating incountry and destined for users in-country no longer must be routed through the USA or Europe.
The shorter the distance internet traffic travels, the faster and cheaper it is to deliver. This translates to cost savings for ISPs and increased network reliability for Internet users. The SKNIX can be leveraged for the improved delivery of local e-government services in a more secure and cost-effective manner.
In 2024, the focus will be on growing SKNIX, which will entail enhancing security, setting up private clouds, providing hosting services, supporting caching servers, and content delivery. Additionally, strengthening the cybersecurity posture and establishing a cybersecurity incident response team (CERT). Greater emphasis will be placed on capacity building leading to certification and promoting cybersecurity awareness in conjunction with the Digital Skills Academy. We will continue to invest in the deployment of high-speed broadband networks, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This enables businesses to thrive, facilitates ecommerce, and empowers individuals with a wealth of online opportunities.
Cybersecurity is an area of utmost importance in today's interconnected world. With the increasing reliance on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a critical concern, and the need for data protection has become of paramount importance. During the second quarter of 2024, the Department of Technology will host a National Cybersecurity Symposium for Digital Resilience, an initiative jointly organised by the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG) and the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) in collaboration with the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU).
"This symposium will bring together several sectors, including civil society, foreign organisations, government, community groups, and academia, in one space to confront the issues and challenges and exchange information for decisive action." (Bevil Wooding, Executive Director, Caribbean Network Operators Group). This symposium is designed to address the pressing need for cybersecurity education and outreach and the challenges faced by small island developing states in the Caribbean region. The Cybersecurity Strategy Framework defines the strategies to ensure the safety, integrity, and availability of the government's data and information as it transitions to delivering digital services. The ICT Department will work with the Legal Department to review and update the legislative framework and create legislation to facilitate and enable digital transformation initiatives for e-government as well as telecommunications.
Digital Skills Development
To fully harness the potential of the digital economy, it is crucial to equip our workforce with the necessary digital skills. For this fiscal year, we will provide the training programmes and capacity-building initiatives needed to enhance digital literacy and skill development. These efforts will empower individuals with the competence and confidence required to succeed in the digital age, bridge the digital skills gap within the public sector, and raise the caliber of persons seeking employment with the Government.
We will make provision for subscriptions and licensing for IT software and products to enhance information security in Government as more devices are deployed in the network, license renewal, and maintenance for critical security infrastructure. The Ministry will also ensure increased cloud hosting. The cloud server platforms provide a more robust and secure server infrastructure that allows for the rapid deployment of e-government applications without incurring upfront capital costs to procure the infrastructure or having to worry about the replacement of dated infrastructure. This also provides business continuity and builds resilience.
The Department of ICT will continue to keep a close eye on emerging technologies that have the potential to positively disrupt industries and societies. We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education, the Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), the Legal Department, the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance and develop areas to support the delivery of services across Government.
In 2024, the Ministry will host the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT week of activities in October, which is the annual signature event for the CTU and has been hosted in many of its twenty member states, including the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis which successfully hosted this event in 2018. This event is aimed at promoting ICT development, discussing emerging trends and facilitating meaningful collaboration between various stakeholders in the Caribbean and beyond. It provides a dynamic platform to foster the exchange of innovative ideas among our regional governments.
In 2024, events will be scheduled over a period of five (5) days and will bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors across the Caribbean region and beyond. Participants will include Ministers and other senior government officials, industry officials, technology experts, academia as well as delegates from regional and international organizations. The relevant statutory meetings are important and required for the proper functioning of the organization and to ensure that the CTU Secretariat receives direct input and guidance from member states.