Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the eastern Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. This small island nation gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and has since developed a diverse economy, with tourism, offshore banking, and the digital government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Transforming the digital government of Antigua and Barbuda (with a huge help from UNDP)
I believe the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to achieving complete digitalisation of public services by 2030 is a forward-thinking and commendable initiative. This decision stems from the recently conducted Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA) by the UNDP, which, I must say, is a crucial step in aligning the country’s digital strategy with the acceleration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital Readiness Assessment Workshop
In November 2023, the UNDP organised a workshop to discuss the findings of the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA). The aim was to collaboratively shape the country’s digital transformation vision.
The Barbados and Eastern Caribbean UN country team played host to around 50 participants (including representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and the UN.)
During this gathering, ideas were freely exchanged, and together, participants outlined recommendations for the next steps in the digital journey.
The DRA, focusing on five key pillars – government, regulation, infrastructure, digital economy, and people – has provided actionable insights and recommendations.
The comprehensive diagnostic, combining data and feedback from various stakeholders, including a public survey, offers a valuable snapshot of the country’s digital progress.
While the digital government of Antigua and Barbuda have made progress in digital transformation, the DRA has rightly pointed out a growing need to enhance public service delivery through digital means.
Establishing secure and inclusive online portals for processes like driver’s license registration and birth and marriage certificates is a noteworthy suggestion. This, in my opinion, aligns with the global trend of leveraging digital platforms for citizen-centric services, making essential processes more efficient and accessible.
Overall, the commitment to digitalisation is not just a technological leap but a step towards fostering a more connected, efficient, and inclusive society in Antigua and Barbuda.
Steering the digital development agenda for small islands
Examining Antigua and Barbuda’s role as the host for the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in May 2024, I believe they have a significant opportunity to shape the digital development agenda for small islands, not just in the Caribbean but on a global scale.
Small islands face unique challenges, and a collective effort in steering the digital development agenda can lead to solutions that suit the specific contexts of these nations.
The emphasis on taking a rights-based and inclusive approach, as mentioned by UNDP, aligns with contemporary principles of sustainable development. I would also add that such an approach ensures that the benefits of digital development are felt across society, leaving no one behind.
International ranking in e-governance
Looking at the data provided from the UN E-government survery, I think this island-nation is in an interesting digital position.
With a high Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) and a very high Human Capital Index (HCI), it seems to be well-equipped both in terms of technology and the skills of its people.
The fact that it falls into the category of 12 out of 38 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with an EGDI (0.6113) value above the global average is quite commendable. This indicates that, compared to many similar nations, it’s making significant progress in using digital technologies for governance and development.
This index reflects the overall digital advancement, considering online service availability, human capital, and telecommunication infrastructure.
However, I would also point out that having that EGDI value (ranging from 0.50 to 0.75) suggests room for improvement. While it’s above the global average, it implies there’s still potential to enhance various aspects of e-governance and digital services.
However, despite this positive standing, the E-Participation Index (EPI) portrays a more moderate picture with a value of 0.42050. The average EPI value suggests room for improvement in terms of citizen engagement and participation in digital governance initiatives. This is an area where the country might benefit from focusing its efforts to enhance the inclusivity of its digital platforms.
Final thoughts
The digital government of Antigua and Barbuda managed to rank 99th out of 193 countries in the UN’s E-government survey (based on the 2022 report, which is the latest available), which is a decent position.
However, there’s always room for advancement. This ranking could be seen as a baseline, and there’s potential for this country to climb higher with strategic improvements in its digital initiatives.
This country appears to have a solid foundation in terms of telecommunication infrastructure and human capital, positioning it well in the global digital landscape. The key now would be to capitalise on these strengths, address any gaps in e-participation, and continue evolving its e-government practices for even greater success in the future.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/6-Antigua-and-Barbuda
https://desapublications.un.org/sites/default/files/publications/2022-09/Report%20without%20annexes.pdf https://www.oecs.org/en/digital-transformation-in-the-eastern-caribbean-cardtp-project
