Again, we cannot modernise the service without the use of appropriate technology. Our efforts to date have cost over four million dollars ($4m). My Government intends to support our E-government initiatives. At this point every ministry has the capability to make payments and manage their budget allocation electronically. There is a corporate email and other facilities to enable all public officers to communicate quickly and efficiently and to work on an electronic document from different locations without ever printing the document until it is necessary to do so. We are also, in the process of developing our government website. We still need to introduce systems that will allow persons to file forms electronically and to pay their bills online. The Inland Revenue and Customs Department are targeted for these initiatives. (Source 2005 Budget Statement)

Telecommunications: (Source: Speech outlining Ministry of Communications and Works Strategic Objectives. February 2004)

• Review and upgrade the legislative framework to make it more relevant to the 21st century environment.
• Develop a strategy for liberalizing the telecommunications sector in 2007.
• Establish a telecommunications unit.

The Strategic Objectives for 2003 – 2006 prepared by the Department of Administration clearly outline the policy for the development of ICTs in the country.

e-Government -Information and Communication Technology
The introduction of ICT within the public sector has opened up significant opportunities for:

• the transformation of processes and procedures, modernising the business of government, to enable better service delivery, better procurement of goods and services, and more efficient operations;
• achieving a more "joined up" working between different parts of the public sector;
• providing newer and more efficient and convenient ways for individuals and organisations to communicate with government and to receive services.

• to support the achievement of a professional HR function within government
• to enable Montserrat to take full advantage of opportunities for economic and social development in an information age, and
• to enhance the provision of information and services to Montserratians relocated overseas, to advance the success of initiatives to encourage their return”.
  
  Source: Montserrat Strategic Plan

• Ministry of Communications and Works<.lI>
• Government Information Services