Dominica has been earmarked for US$28 million under the World Bank-financed Caribbean Digital Transformation Project to help develop its digital economy.
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today Monday, June 22, 2020, approved the regional project to support the development of the digital economy in the Caribbean for a total of US$94 million.
Dominica is among five Eastern Caribbean countries that will benefit from the project. The others are Grenada (US$8 million), Saint Lucia (US$20 million) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (US$30 million).
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission will also receive US$8 million to build an inclusive digital economy.
This is the first World Bank-financed project to support the development of the digital economy in the Caribbean. It aims to increase access to digital services, technologies, and skills by governments, businesses, and individuals.
“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the essential role of digital technology in keeping people, businesses, governments, and countries connected. It enabled virtual continuity of services and facilitated contactless transactions,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. “The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for the Eastern Caribbean countries to become digital leaders. Wider and more rapid adoption of digital technologies can support countries during the COVID-19 recovery phase and help build resilience, create jobs and boost future growth.”
The project aims to increase internet penetration and access to digital financial services and public services. It will support reforms and regional harmonization of the legal and regulatory environment to promote investment in digital infrastructure. It will support activities to make telecommunications and financial services more affordable while addressing risks related to cybersecurity and data protection. The project will also support public sector modernization and delivery of citizen-centric, digital public services.
Support will be provided to individuals and businesses for skills and entrepreneurship development.
Financing for the project comes from the International Development Association (IDA). The OECS Commission will receive a grant, and the four Eastern Caribbean islands will receive interest-free financing with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years.
More information: https://www.
“Contactless transactions” means the mark of the beast real near, even at the door. Things are priming up. Everybody knows Covid-19 wasn’t normal. It seems it had to happen to force world leaders to create a system that the world will accept because they fear for their lives. A system where unless you receive a mark in your right hand or forehead you won’t be able to buy or sell. The world is heading towards this direction disguises it with fancy names like “contactless transactions”.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Rev 13:16-17
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Meanwhile the average store or shop keeper doesnt take a debit or credit card
The acceptance of debit-or credit card payments assumes consumers to have such instruments of payment. You will find that in Dominica not everybody does qualify for the issuance of such a card because of lack of credit or even a bank account, especially in rural areas where ATM’s are also noticeable through their absence. Furthermore, not every shopkeeper welcomes the exposure of the details of their transactions, especially the tax man. Last, but not least they do not see why they should pay a fee to the card company, a commission for every sale they make. Our people are a suspicious lot and we should not blame them, their experience having made them cautious. I’m afraid cash will remain king for some time to come.
This is happening around the world the enhancement of digital currency and banking to prepare the way for the One World Ruler
And only the other day we had our minister of education attacking a student for complaining that students studied were jeopardise because of in adequate and expensive WiFi connections. First of all it looks like that minister was not aware of these plans to assist Dominica and I wonder if she is taking part in cabinet meetings at all but more important her attitude showed she is totally unsuited to be Minister of education and the PM should replace her to save his own credibility. I really hope that money is not squandered and used to improve to digital communications for the whole island.
One thing is certain, this will not benefit ordinary Caribbean people. The money will just disappear into the same hands as it always does. When will this nonsense end?
Next week we checking but I not too sure na.