“Their mandates are separate and defined: one to attract desirable e-businesses and the other to provide convenient access to Government services for businesses and the people.”
He added that e-Government was focused on business: achieving a vibrant information technology (IT) and hosting sector and encouraging “overseas companies to locate and co-locate some of their e-business in Bermuda”.
“Another part of the hub of e-business, which Government seeks, is a more buoyant business in the e-payments and banking sectors, and finally, to assist both local and exempt companies with integrating e-business techniques into their operations.”
Director of Telecommunications William Francis explained that the directorship was a new position though it was created some time ago.
Mr. Scott said: “The position was created some months ago” in response to two different reports on e-Government and Government’s overall commitment to e-Government.
Mr. Francis said the focus of the department is to be Government’s e-government initiative, primarily consisting of Government’s internet portal, www.gov.bm.
The director will be responsible for maintaining and expanding the portal, with current hopes being that the portal will be fully interactive, providing the public with government forms and an online payment option of certain taxes and fees. Currently, Government’s e-government portal has been maintained under the E-Commerce department.
The new department will also facilitate the overall incorporation of electronic services into the various government services, acting as the driving force for other ministries to better take advantage of today’s technology.
Mr. Scott said: “E-Government will create efficiencies not just in this Ministry – where it is simply being led from – but throughout all Government Ministries, as we pursue access to services and the facilitation of more efficient and effective governmental processes through the use of electronic e-Commerce technologies.”
Mr. Scott added: “E-friendly processes within the Bermuda Government will generate several business and social advantages including garnering sophistication of IT in Government, which businesses will view as a key investment criteria...On the social side, the people’s quality of life can be materially improved through the provision of more effective and efficient services.”
Autor: Kristen A. Midon
Quelle: The Royal Gazette, 08.08.2004
