Published:
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
The World Bank Group has confirmed that T&T is open data ready with strong high-level commitment to open government.
The National Open Data Readiness Assessment (ODRA), a collaborative venture between the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance and the Economy and the World Bank Group (WBG), was conducted with government ministries and agencies, civil society and the private sector from February 23-March 2, and April 27–May 2.
The qualitative input from these stakeholders assisted with the preparation of the Draft National ODRA Report, which contains the WBG’s findings and recommendations for development and implementation of a National Open Data Strategy in T&T.
The ODRA evaluates readiness based on eight dimensions and T&T was rated as clearly ready in four categories, including technology and skills infrastructure. In five other categories the country received a yellow rating, indicating that evidence of readiness is less clear.
Being open data ready and participating in an open data initiative assists the country in its goal to develop an open, accountable and transparent public sector and delivery of public services to its citizens.
It augurs well for the National Broadband Plan for Development which aims to ensure that citizens across T&T have access to high speed broadband connectivity, an important driver of economic growth and development and facilitates job creation.
This is part of the National ICT Plan 2014-2018, smarTT, aimed at transforming the country into a more diversified, information and knowledge-driven economy.
In responding to The World Bank Group’s announcement, Dr Rupert Griffith, Minister of Science and Technology, said there are plans to work with the relevant agencies and stakeholders to enact the Open Data Action Plan presented by the World Bank.
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