The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy was represented at the recently held Regional Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Forum 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda were Ms. Isoke Perry, Director of eGovernment, and Ms. Desiree Zachariah, Manager of Business and Data Analysis. Their participation formed part of the region’s wider engagement on strengthening digital government, advancing digital public infrastructure, and exploring innovative approaches to public service delivery.
The forum brought together government representatives, international development partners, technology specialists and digital policy experts to examine how countries can develop secure, interoperable and inclusive digital systems. Discussions covered digital identity, digital payments, data exchange, cybersecurity safeguards, digital public goods, verifiable credentials, government interoperability and the financing of digital infrastructure.
Participation in the forum provided an opportunity for the Ministry to explore approaches that could support Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing digital transformation priorities, including strengthening eGovernment services, improving the management and use of government data, and enhancing coordination among public-sector institutions.
A key area of discussion was digital interoperability, which enables government systems to exchange information securely and efficiently. When appropriately implemented, interoperable systems can help reduce duplication, minimize repetitive paperwork and streamline processes for individuals and businesses accessing services across multiple government departments.
These approaches are particularly relevant as Antigua and Barbuda continues to modernize public administration and explore opportunities to make government services more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of the public.
The participation of Ms. Perry and Ms. Zachariah also highlights the importance of integrating digital service delivery with effective data management and analysis.
Experiences shared at the forum may help inform approaches to data standardization, information sharing, digital service planning and performance monitoring. Better coordination and use of government data can support evidence-based decision-making, improve operational efficiency and help departments identify service gaps and opportunities for improvement.
For Antigua and Barbuda, stronger digital public infrastructure has the potential to support a more coordinated public service and improve the experience of citizens, residents and businesses. Potential benefits include fewer unnecessary visits to government offices, reduced duplication of information, faster processing of applications and improved access to government services where digital options are available.
Realizing these benefits will require appropriate planning, institutional readiness, investment, workforce development, and strong safeguards for personal information and cybersecurity.
Presentations on the Dominican Republic’s digital government initiatives, including its interoperability architecture and the Soy Yo RD verifiable credentials initiative, provided examples of how digital public infrastructure principles can be applied in practice.
Exposure to these experiences creates opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda to assess relevant approaches, exchange knowledge with regional and international partners, and explore potential avenues for technical assistance and collaboration.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda ICT officials attend regional forum on improving digital government services.