Project activities for 2007-2008

The Centre of Excellence will undertake the following Project Activities for 2007-2008 in collaboration with existing institutions:

1. In collaboration with the University of the West Indies, facilitate the application of the concepts of the Evidence-based Policy Formulation approach presented in the In-Country Workshops. In this regard, assistance should be given in the formulation of online survey instruments, training in data collection and data analysis with respect to the collection, analysis and use of empirical data on the Public Sector, Businesses, NGOs and Citizens for the development of evidence-based National ICT policies, highlighting how electronic local governance can enhance citizen participation in the policy development process. This activity will be conducted in Dominica Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis.

2. Provide In-Country capacity building/training, online and offline, and facilitate the participation of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), CBOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-based Groups through online as well as offline consultations in the formulation of National ICT Policies to include National E-government/governance Strategies in Dominica, Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis; 

3. Train Councils/Mayors/Ministers of Government/NGOs/CBOs managers in Teleworking/Telecommuting with particular focus on available E-Democracy software such as Electronic Consultation Management System (eCMS) et a in Dominica, Grenada and Barbados; 

4. In collaboration with the University of the West Indies, develop and launch a CCEEG Portal on citizen centric E-Democracy, E-Government and Governance Policy Formulation and Implementation so as to provide, Online Resource/Knowledge Bank, continuous related on-line training and support, discussion/debate forum, a platform for networking of NGOs, CBOS, Local Government Bodies, e-governance news as well as promoting the use of the Evidenced Based Policy Formulation approach for development;

5. Taking in to consideration related work undertaken by UNDP, develop and launch a model of web-based citizens panel (e-panel for e-governance); with a view to facilitating the establishment Caribbean Network of NGOs and CBOs as well as promoting the application of e-governance in these organizations;

6. Develop and administer of a mass media campaign (TV, radio and community radio, CMC, Internet and printed media) for citizens participation in democratic debates on e-government environment at local and central governmental levels linking this to web-based citizens panel developed;

7. Develop and administer online training course for citizens who wish to take part in democratic debates using the Internet with local or central government with a view to organizing  web-based citizens' panels or ePanels; 

8. Pilot an action-based research on how new technologies can change the way in which Councils/Mayors/Ministers of Government engage and work with their Citizens in Jamaica and Grenada;

9. Undertake the development of strategies, guidelines, roadmaps and case studies to help government authorities to develop their own E-Democracy strategies;

10. Organise a Symposium to launch the CCEEG, showcasing results achieved for Phase 1 and 2 of the project, inviting regional organizations such as CARICOM, OECS, CDB et al as well as  prospective development partners with a view to mobilising resources for Phase 3 of the project. 

Project Outputs

• A cadre of persons trained in local governance laying the foundation for improved local governance systems in the LAC region.

• A comprehensive knowledge base to assist countries of the region to develop and implement successful e-governance projects.

• A network of institutions with enhanced expertise in a range of functional areas including distance teaching, e-local governance, e-governance research and project implementation.

• A regional Plan of action for e-governance.

• A cohesive mechanism which will bring together a set of essential functions to support the successful delivery of programmes and projects throughout the region.

• Documentation and application of best practices. 

• Mechanism to strengthen dialogue between Civil Society and Government developed.