Stakeholder meetings commence for roll-out of e-Government laws

Government has commenced stakeholder meetings to review multiple e-Government legislations which are soon expected to be implemented in the British Virgin Islands.

A government-commissioned media release dated January 7 said the series of meetings, which began on January 6, is being conducted through a collaboration between government and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.

The Bills — which include the Archives & Records Management Act 2010, Electronic Funds Transfer Bill 2019, Electronic Transactions Bill 2019, Electronic Filing Bill 2019, and Data Protection Bill 2019 — were all introduced in the House of Assembly for their first readings by Premier Andrew Fahie during a December 17 session.

According to the release, once passed, the Bills collectively are the minimum legislative requirements needed to effectively govern a digital environment in the BVI and will also provide means for the operations of e-Government services.

Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Kedrick Malone said once approved, the Bills will promote Information Communications and Technology (ICT) through telecommunication, and enable all associated activities.

“Government is pressing ahead with its overall digital transformation agenda which includes e-Government services and so it is imperative that the legislation referred to above is enacted as soon as practicable,” Malone stated.

Public invited to send input via email

The stakeholder meetings will include members of the House of Assembly, government officials and members from the private sector.

Members of the public who are interested in contributing to the discussion can do so either by e-mailing the Premier’s Office or by hand delivering a physical letter to the Office.

Persons can also email their information to [email protected] with the subject, ‘e-Government Suite of Legislation’. All contributions must be submitted no later than January 15.