GovernmentAwards Contract in Liberalisation Process
The Ministerwith responsibilities for Information Technology, the Hon. LinfordA. Pierson, OBE, JP, (left) meets with Ms Chantelle Bramley andMr. Bob Young of LECG of London. Mr. Pierson announced government'sdecision to liberalise telecommunications in October.
Following a competitive tender, the CaymanIslands Government has awarded a contract to LECG Ltd. of Londonto provide consultancy services regarding the liberalisation oftelecommunications.
The company's terms of reference includethe review of the draft Information and Communications Technology(ICT) Bill from a regulator's perspective; recommending an appropriateestablishment and skill set for the new ICT Authority; assistingwith the definition of strategic goals; and developing an outlinestrategy for the liberalisation process.
"The consultants have also attendedinitial discussions with Cable & Wireless," said theDirector of Information Technology Strategy, Mr. Dave Archbold.
The contract, which was awarded in November,covers the period up to 31 Dec 2001, at which time LECG will submitits final reports to government. A separate contract will be awardedfor additional, more detailed, consultancy work to be done inearly 2002.
The Minister of Information Technology,the Hon. Linford A. Pierson in October announced government'sdecision to liberalise telecommunications. "The plans areon target, with the next steps being the consideration of theICT Bill by the Legislative Assembly and the establishment ofthe ICT Authority, hopefully in February 2002," he noted.
The authority is to be operational by June2002, after recruiting the necessary technical staff. July 2002is the target date for completion of discussions with Cable &Wireless and Mr. Pierson said the phased liberalisation of telecommunicationsis expected to commence in August 2002.