ICT Centre Launches New Web Portal
~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 01, 2008 (SKNIS): Individuals with internet access now have government information at their fingertips thanks to the new web portal at internet address www.gov.kn.
The portal began publically functioning March 3, 2008, out of its home base at the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre. According to ICT Policy Advisor Mr. Pierre Bowrin, the web portal is the first of its kind to be hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis and forms part of the E-government strategy.
Mr. Bowrin gave some background to the project, explaining that the ICT Strategic Plan was implemented in 2006 and had several goals. He said that the plan intends to make government operations more efficient and establish a platform that can better disseminate information to the Federation’s citizens. He said that he was certain the project would address the two areas.
The ICT Centre Advisor said that a web portal is a one stop place, from where you can find different aspects of information, in this case www.gov.kn is specific to government information.
Pertaining to the content on the web portal, Mr. Bowrin said that each ministry is responsible for uploading its own information. He took the opportunity to encourage the individuals from the ministries, designated as web content providers to continue to upload current information.
The ICT Policy Advisor also revealed some new features such as a search engine which would bring up events, news items and forms with the corresponding words. He also highlighted the content management style which enabled the different ministries to be responsible for their own information.
Mr. Bowrin added that the web portal has links to mainly regional bodies including CARICOM and OECS as well as other bodies with whom the various departments have agreements. Ministries may also have websites that can be accessed through the web portal.
Government workers were urged to use the email service provided, as it will increase efficiency and prove more cost effective to government, since all information did not have to be printed, but could be emailed instead.
The full interview with Mr. Bowrin can be seen on an upcoming SKNIS Update.
