The Ministry of Public Administration has noted the Guardian article of June 13, headlined "Microsoft deal to cost Govt $194m." In confirming that the renewal of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, referred to in your article, is indeed currently under consideration by Government, we wish to reassure you that all requisite business, legal, and procurement issues are being addressed.
Please also note that Government adopts a neutral position with respect to technology in its procurement of software and other solutions. As such, ministries and agencies can procure software from various providers, including small companies offering open-source solutions for agency-specific activities. However, for func- tions that are carried out across the public service and driven by common policies such as those related to human resource management, the Government has pur- sued enterprise-wide solutions.
The Government of T&T recognises the importance of information and communication techno- logy (ICT) as a key enabler of national development, as evidenced by its identification as Pillar 4 of the seven interconnected pillars for sustainable development. In this regard, the ministry is working with key stakeholders in elaborating T&T's national ICT strategy and e-government strategy.
Corporate Communications Div
Ministry of Public Administration