GATE will ensure that Antigua & Barbuda maintains its dominant position as an ICT leader in the Caribbean, as the country becomes more advanced in the ICT and Telecommunications sectors.
The first component of GATE is an ICT Cadet programme, which provides an opportunity for young people interested in working in information technology (IT) related fields to acquire technical skills, as well as to gain valuable workplace experience.
The objective of EGRIP is to promote the efficiency, quality and transparency of public services through the delivery of regionally integrated e-government applications that take advantage of economies of scale.
Karlene Francis, Project Manager for E-GRIP said the Regional E-Government Unit (REGU) of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat will be working with the Ministry of Information to improve quality services so that ultimately the government services will be available to persons 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Minister of State with responsibility for that Ministry, Senator Dr. Edomond Mansoor, says 2012 will be the year of electronic development.
Minister Mansoor said government is committed to advancing the twin island state to a level where the country is more competitive in the area of information technology.
Read more: AG: Government To Accelerate E-Government Strategy
Connect Antigua and Barbuda Biz was described as a multi-faceted, revolutionary ICT platform that will move small and micro-businesses forward in an environment without boundaries.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer hailed the move as a project that is critical for the future development of Antigua and Barbuda.
The training course, according to a government release, is intended to equip senior public sector managers working in public sector initiatives on national ICT planning and implementation, and on the introduction of e-Government in their respective countries.
Read more: Antigua and Barbuda Represented at e-Govt Workshop