By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Lucia’s government has approved access to a $6 million loan from the International Development Association to provide support for ICT and broadband in the country.

The initiative will develop information and communication technologies through the Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme.

“Essentially, it is to increase access to the regional broadband networks and to advance the development of ICT services in St Lucia, improve access and affordability to regional broadband networks and generally to advance and develop the ICT sector in our region,” St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony said. “There is no question that we need an expansion of broadband services.”

The move means St Lucia will fulfill its commitment to the first phase of the World Bank-funded Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Programme.

St Lucia is participating in the programme along with St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

The 10-year programme, which was approved by the World Bank’s board of directors in July, could provide up to 27 million people with access to better broadband services.

St Lucia and St Vincent are receiving $6 million credits, while Grenada is receiving a $10 million credit.