The Government intends to implement an “e-citizens card” which will replace the ID card and drivers’ permit in the future, said acting Permanent Secretary Gillian McIntyre, Ministry of Public Utilities. “The e-citizens card is a unique identification number which will allow citizens to access all Government services on and off-line. “It is anticipated that this identification system which will eventually replace all other systems such as drivers permits, ID cards and smart cards will encourage a more efficient degree of Government services,” she said. Ag Permanent Secretary Gillian McIntyre, Ministry of Public Utilities was speaking on behalf of Emmanuel George on Thursday night at the media launch of the “I-create” 2010-2011 Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organisation (Canto) Regional e-content competition at National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA).

The competition will begin in January 2011. “We are set to implement a new ICT strategy that will begin in 2011 it will emphasise increasing usage and uptake which would be increasing access to and utilisation of information and telecommunication technology such as the Internet, computers and smart phones,” she added. Although T&T is one of the more advanced countries with ICT infrastructure development, the levels of local content in T&T is low when compared to other Caribbean countries, she said. “Discussions are already underway to address this critical issue. “A new ICT vision is soon to be defined by the Government and it will support the view that T&T can support real and lasting improvements in its social, economic and cultural spheres throughout the equitable distribution of ICT,” she said.

She said the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) is currently reviewing the national broadcast policy. “This assessment will address issues such as local content development and a proposal to review and establish a public broadcast e-service and market concentration and related regulations. “It is envisioned that the creation of local content which will be supported through the establishment of public broadcasting service will promote among other things preservation of national identity, counter balance the influence of foreign media and provide useful education content,” she said.