KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr. Didacus Jules, has sought to underscore the transformative impact of digital solutions on public-sector performance.
“Digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a profound shift in how governments engage with citizens and deliver essential services,” Jules told a workshop where the St. Lucia-based OECS Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation across the nine-member sub-regional grouping.
Jules said, “By modernizing civil registration and identification systems, we are laying the foundation for more transparent, agile, and inclusive governance.”
The acting head of the Regional Integration at the OECS Commission, Dr. Clarence Henry, spoke of the vital contribution of the European Union (EU) through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) project.
He thanked the EU for its continued partnership and unwavering support for this initiative. The EU’s support has been instrumental in addressing legal, policy, and governance gaps and, where required, in upgrading equipment and capacity-building for key public-sector implementing agencies to realise the shared vision for a digitally integrated OECS community.
“The Unique Identification System is a cornerstone of Digital Public Infrastructure. It is essential not only for streamlining government operations but also for enabling robust Know Your Customer (KYC) processes in both the public and private sectors,” said Winston George, coordinator of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP).
“This foundational system enhances trust, security, and accessibility, promoting greater confidence in digital services for all Vincentians,” George added.
The OECS Commission said the two-day workshop is a result of the role of digital transformation in strengthening modern governance to deliver improved public services and expand the private sector’s capacity to foster faster economic growth and development.
It said the St. Vincent and the Grenadines digital transformation stands at the forefront of the national development agenda, serving as a catalyst for streamlined processes and public service efficiency, enabling stronger citizen engagement and greater integration within the OECS and the global economy.
“Through its digital transformation ethos, and with the adoption of a “whole-of-society” approach, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is focused on investing in agile technological solutions while transforming legal, policy, and governance frameworks to enable an efficient digital ecosystem.”
The workshop has brought together key stakeholders from government ministries to discuss best practices and emerging trends in digital identification and civil registration. It also featured the official handover of specialised equipment, designed to support the decentralisation and efficient operation of the civil registration and UID systems across rural and urban areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Parliamentary Counsel III, Shernell Hadaway, speaking on behalf of the Attorney General, Sarah Louise Mitchell, said the success of the CR/UID systems depends not only on sound technology and good laws, but on broad-based understanding, acceptance, and usage across all spheres – government, civil society, and the private sector.”
The OECS Commission said it will continue to work closely with St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other member states to advance digital transformation projects, leveraging regional collaboration and international partnerships.
“Through sustained investment in technology and human capacity, the OECS Commission remains committed to building resilient, future-ready societies where citizens and businesses alike can thrive in the digital age,” it added.
and then , Dr. Didacus Jules, has sought to underscore the transformative){kind=link}