The Broadband Policy and Strategy is a critical step toward achieving universal broadband access, fostering economic growth, and strengthening digital connectivity. Sheralin Monrose-Gustave, Project Manager of CARDTP, emphasized the policy’s importance in expanding digital services, bridging connectivity gaps, and equipping governments, businesses, and individuals across the Eastern Caribbean with the technologies and skills needed for the digital age.
“What we have found is that while the government and Saint Lucia, by extension, have made tremendous strides in digital transformation and modernization, there remain significant gaps one of the most critical being infrastructure. This initiative specifically aims to address those gaps by ensuring universal broadband access, providing reliable, high-speed internet, and bridging the digital divide for individuals without access to technology,” Monrose-Gustave stated.
The policy seeks to expand digital connectivity, ensuring broadband access for all citizens while strengthening national infrastructure, enhancing economic competitiveness, modernizing public services, and reinforcing security and resilience in the digital landscape. Marlon Narcisse, Director of Public Sector Modernization, highlighted the crucial role this initiative plays in Saint Lucia’s digital transformation.
“There is a concept called meaningful connectivity, the level of broadband capacity truly needed to impact livelihoods and digital interactions. From a resilience standpoint, it is vital that our infrastructure can withstand hurricanes and allow government services to continue despite external shocks. The broadband policy also takes an in-depth look at cybersecurity because we want to ensure that when our citizens access technology, they do so in a secure environment,” Narcisse explained.
Judith Hellerstein, Founder and CEO of Hellerstein and Associates, is the lead consultant developing Saint Lucia’s Broadband Policy and Strategy. She emphasized that the policy is designed to be both practical and adaptable, ensuring it serves as a dynamic framework for stakeholders to drive real progress in infrastructure expansion, digital adoption and awareness, policy and regulation, cybersecurity, and data protection.
“We hope this policy will lead to enhanced broadband capabilities. We want to track the metrics to evaluate how subsidies and investments are working. Our goal is to see a dramatic increase in broadband accessibility, ensuring that more people are connected and able to participate fully in the digital economy,” Hellerstein noted.
The final consultation session brought together telecommunications providers, regulators, government officials, and key stakeholders to collaborate on shaping the future of broadband connectivity in Saint Lucia. This initiative marks a significant step toward a digitally inclusive and economically resilient future, ensuring that citizens, businesses, and government institutions benefit from a robust, high-speed, and future-ready digital ecosystem.