The Central Information Technology Office (CITO) was established in 1999 under the FMDP Project to provide Management, Administration and Support for the newly implemented Government of Belize-Wide Area Network and its Enterprise Applications - SmartStream (Financial System) and SIGTAS (Taxation System).
The CITO is dedicated to providing efficient and effective Information Technology and Systems Management, Support and Development services for the Information Systems that are implemented within the context of the Government of Belize Wide Area Network (GoB-WAN) and strives to ensure that the Public Service in Belize is among the world leaders in the effective exploitation of new and emerging Information and Communication Technologies for the delivery of services to the public.
The CITO comprises a highly skilled ICT technical group which in conjunction with Service Providers of the Enterprise Applications and WAN communications and infrastructure, keep the countrywide information systems operational 24/7-365. To efficiently and effectively meet current and future service requirements, the functions of the CITO are divided into two main areas:
Database and Network. These areas are managed by System Administrators who are supported by Assistant System Administrators. The Technical Team is headed and managed by the Director CITO.
The operational structure, organizational structure and the terms of reference for members of the technical group of the CITO have been developed to provide for the current technical needs of the GoB-WAN but are designed to be sufficiently modular to minimize continuous re-design and to be flexible and versatile enough to morph with future service provision requirements of the GoB-WAN as it expands and evolves. As the network user base expands and technology evolves, these positions are incremented to ensure that required levels of service provision are maintained.
The main Strategic Objectives of the CITO are to:
Ensure that the GoB WAN provides the computer tools required for the framework agreed with the stakeholders of the network; Ensure that the implemented GoB WAN relational database management systems which support the various implemented applications are administered, maintained and monitored; Ensure that all GoB WAN network security, network management, emergency recovery procedures, and user group management issues are implemented, administered, monitored and addressed; Evaluate, recommend and advise on the selection and creation of IS/IT/ICT Systems for, and on the behalf of the Ministry of Finance.
Develop IS/IT/ICT policies, standards, best practices and guidelines for the GoB WAN; Provide leadership and guidance to the GoB and the wider public service in the delivery of IS/IT/ICT services; Foster strong professional relationships with private sector companies and local educational institutions in furtherance of the development of IS/IT/ICT in Belize.
The official website: www.cito.gov.bz 
