COUNTRY FOCUS : CARIBBEAN
With $ US94 million coming for an inclusive digital economy in the region , World Bank report pitches potential – but is blunt about challenges to overcome .
Eastern Caribbean count be ‘ digital leaders ’
Castries , St Lucia
The digital economy offers a ‘ unique opportunity ’ for the Eastern Caribbean countries to become digital leaders , a World Bank report says .
But the report – accompanying World Bank ’ s backing for a regional Caribbean Digital Transformation Project – outlines challenges those countries need to overcome to make the opportunity happen .
With World Bank support , some US $ 94 million is being shared between four Eastern Caribbean countries : Dominica ( US $ 28 million ), Grenada ( US $ 8 million ), Saint Lucia ( US $ 20 million ), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ( US $ 30 million ) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ( OECS ) Commission ( US $ 8 million ) to build an inclusive digital economy .
This is the first World Bank-financed project to support the development of digital economy in the Caribbean . It aims to increase access to digital services , technologies and skills by governments , businesses , and individuals .
“ The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the essential role of digital technology in keeping people , businesses , governments , and countries connected . It enabled virtual continuity of services and facilitated contactless transactions ,” said Tahseen Sayed , World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean .
“ The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for the Eastern Caribbean countries to become digital leaders . Wider and more rapid adoption of digital
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