The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is advancing its digital transformation agenda through the strategic rollout of six core ICT pillars aimed at modernising public services and enhancing citizen engagement.
Led by the Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the initiative includes the development of a national digital identity, the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point (IXP), capacity-building programmes, a Digital Service Network (DSN), digital civil registry applications, and expanded e-government services.
These pillars form the foundation of the government’s wider push toward becoming a sustainable island state by 2040, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and security in government operations.
Nigel Carty, Head of the Digital Transformation Management Unit and Advisor to the Minister of ICT, Hon. Konris Maynard, explained that the objective is to “fundamentally change the way in which government functions and serves the public.”
A major milestone in this process is the launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Internet Exchange Point (SKN-IX), which aims to localise internet traffic and improve infrastructure resilience. Ophelia Blanchard, E-Government Coordinator, noted that SKN-IX is already supported by key partners such as The Cable, City Wi-Fi, and Packet Clearinghouse, and will support services such as local financial transactions and education platforms.
Efforts are also underway to upgrade the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN). Assistant Coordinator Erta Chiverton stated that the upgrade includes new domain name systems and a security framework that underpins the digital ecosystem. A full audit of existing systems was completed to inform security enhancements across ministries.
Another central initiative is the Electronic Civil Registry System (ECRS), which will digitise records such as births, deaths, marriages, and adoptions. Citizens will be able to apply and pay for these services online, enhancing convenience, especially for those overseas.
Additionally, the government is designing a secure digital ID card linked to immigration and national security databases. “When you go to a bank, you slip it into a reader, and it interfaces with our system to verify your identity,” Carty explained.
Interagency interoperability is a top priority, with the ICT Department developing data standards and cybersecurity protocols to ensure seamless and secure data exchange across ministries.
Blanchard highlighted ongoing stakeholder consultations and the support of the International Telecommunications Union in shaping legal frameworks for digital identity protection.
Chiverton pointed out that the interconnected systems will also enhance external services like banking and social welfare. “Whether it’s Inland Revenue, national security, or health, the systems will securely communicate without compromising privacy,” she said.
Minister Maynard, reflecting on global best practices, likened the vision to that of Estonia, a global leader in e-governance. “We want to be the Estonia of the Caribbean… It will do the walking for you, the trotting for you,” he said, noting how a single point of access can streamline services.
This coordinated approach to digital transformation in St. Kitts and Nevis promises not only improved service delivery and public access to information but also a stronger, more connected digital society aligned with sustainable development goals.
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