The Premier’s Office is eying great Technological and Legislative Advancement in 2023.
This was made evident during a recent presentation by Permanent Secretary Carolyn Stoutt Igwe, as she revealed the office’s top priorities for the new year.
Stoutt Igwes spoke specifically to the vision for the departments of Agriculture and Fisheries, Immigration, Sustainable Development and the VI Shipping Registry.
“We are going to be launching online payments as part of the pilot project with the Department of Information Technology for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Security within the signing of the MOU for the sharing of intelligence of member states of the Caribbean Community now expected within a week, the next step would be to bring into force the advanced passenger information system act early in the new year… we will have a launch of additional modules on the Border Management System that will see the introduction of a small vessel and aircraft clearance portal and online embarkation and debarkation cards, commonly known as ED Cards”, she said.
A key development to come, she noted, is the establishment of a Virgin Islands Agriculture and Fisheries Authority.
“We will establish a Virgin Island’s Agriculture and Fisheries authority to support sustainable development of the sectors, their contributions to greater food security and diversification of the Virgin Island’s Economy. Within the expectation of the approval of the National Sustainable Development Strategy before the end of this year, we expect to implement the strategy in the coming year as we continue to chart the way for improvement of the quality of life for all residents of the Virgin Islands”, she said.
Stoutt Igwe spoke during presentations at the recent Public Service Transformation Mid Term Review and Future Outlook.