Addressing the Digital Divide: Revitalizing Barbados' CommunityTech Program for Inclusive Digital Citizenship

Today’s article was inspired by a caller to a local morning radio show who highlighted the need for the country to ensure that its citizens, especially the elderly, are not left behind as Barbados evolves in the global digital age. The caller lamented that an elderly person struggled to use their ATM card at a bank terminal, creating a backup of users. Since this occurred after banking hours, there was no staff available to assist the elderly person, so the caller stepped up to help.

Hearing this story reminded me of my days as a consultant for the Community Technology Programme (CommunityTech) and why it was started in the first place. This government led initiative used community centres as hubs for training citizens of modest means, aiming to mitigate the impact of the “digital divide” from an educational perspective. The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have easy access to and proficiency with digital technologies and the internet, and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic, geographic, or educational disparities.

CommunityTech was initiated under the Owen Arthur administration but seems to have languished in recent years. I vaguely recall it being part of a three-pronged approach to bring Barbados into the digital age, targeting three distinct groups: EduTech for young people in mandatory schooling, a digital retooling initiative for the labour force, and CommunityTech, which was mainly aimed at senior citizens to ensure they were not left behind.

From mobile banking apps to Artificial Intelligence (AI) infused into the new Microsoft ecosystem (desktop and productivity tools like office365), it’s time that Barbados reevaluates what its digital citizenship initiatives should be given all the changes that have occurred and all that is on the horizon with AI. Using Prime Minister Mottley’s oft-quoted words, “take out-front before out-front take you,” requires reimagining a new digitally capable citizen with skills in three distinct domains: 1. Understanding Digital Access and Literacy, 2. Understanding Digital Etiquette and Basic Cybersecurity, and 3. Understanding Effective Digital Commerce and Functional Digital Law.

Access and Literacy

Understanding the digital world requires a grasp of three key subdomains: digital access, digital literacy, and AI literacy. Digital access involves providing equitable infrastructure and tools to bridge the digital divide, enabling all citizens to participate in the digital economy, evidenced through programs such as Jump, an initiative developed to foster greater digital inclusion across Barbados. The program offers low-cost, affordable internet to the most vulnerable with the support of the Government of Barbados.

Digital literacy equips individuals with the skills to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content, empowering them to use technology for education, employment, and daily life. AI literacy introduces understanding and critical assessment of artificial intelligence, preparing citizens to engage responsibly with AI technologies. Together, these elements ensure that everyone can benefit from and contribute to the digital world, fostering an inclusive and technologically adept society.

Etiquette and Security

Responsible navigation of the digital world requires understanding three key subdomains: digital etiquette, digital security, and digital health and wellness. Digital etiquette involves practising respectful and considerate behaviour online, understanding the norms of digital interactions, and fostering a positive virtual environment. Digital security focuses on protecting personal information and digital devices from threats such as malware, phishing, and identity theft, emphasising the importance of strong passwords, encryption, and vigilant online practices. Digital health and wellness addresses maintaining physical and psychological well-being in the digital age, encouraging balanced screen time, ergonomics, and awareness of digital addiction. Together, these elements ensure that individuals can engage safely, respectfully, and healthily in the digital realm, creating a secure and supportive online community.

Commerce and Legal

Effectively navigating the digital world involves understanding three crucial subdomains: digital commerce, digital law, and digital rights and responsibilities, including the ethical use of AI. Digital commerce encompasses the responsible and knowledgeable participation in online buying and selling, ensuring secure and efficient transactions in the digital marketplace. Digital law involves understanding the legal frameworks governing digital behaviour, including intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and the consequences of illegal activities such as hacking and identity theft. Digital rights and responsibilities highlight the importance of recognising and upholding one’s rights in the digital realm, such as privacy and freedom of expression, while also respecting the rights of others. This subdomain also includes the ethical use of AI, emphasising the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications.

Together, these three core elements—Access and Literacy, Etiquette and Security, and Commerce and Legal—create a framework for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to digital citizenship. By understanding and implementing these subdomains, Barbados can ensure that all citizens, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. This holistic approach not only bridges the digital divide but also fosters a secure, respectful, and legally sound digital environment.

Embracing these principles will be crucial as Barbados continues to advance in the global digital age, shaping a future where every citizen can fully participate in and benefit from technological advancements.

Steven Williams is the executive director of Sunisle Technology Solutions and the principal consultant at Data Privacy and Management Advisory Services. He is a former IT advisor to the Government’s Law Review Commission, focusing on the draft Cybercrime bill. He holds an MBA from the University of Durham and is certified as a chief information security officer by the EC Council and as a data protection officer by the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB). Steven can be reached at: Mobile: 246-233-0090 Email: steven@dataprivacy.bb