The Ministry of Communications and Works has been searching for a computerized system to verify that the vehicles on the roads are legally registered. The Advance transport Licensing Authority or “Atlas”, replaces an obsolete system used to document and regulate automobiles. Government Officials say the old regime was woefully inadequate.
The Ministry of Communications says an upgrade was long overdue. The new system which incorporated the views of the Saint Lucian public was developed with the help of ICT experts from the island’s close diplomatic ally Taiwan. Officials say the introduction of Atlas will vastly improve the capabilities of the transport Ministry.
Taiwanese Ambassador, Tom Chou explains Atlas was two years in the making and involved thorough analysis of the Police Traffic department and the Transport Ministry. An ICT centre has been opened in down town Castries to train government employees in the use of the system.
Minister for Communications, Guy Joseph says the transition to a full fledged department of motor vehicle and registration is the ultimate goad and remains a work in progress. He is confident the technologically advanced system will make a useful law enforcement tool. The Minister says his personal experience highlights the extent of vehicle licensing fraud in Saint Lucia.
Excerpted verbatim from ‘New Licensing Agreement’ by Winston Springer. Published October 21, 2009, by HTS Channel 4 St. Lucia.