Govt. opens 18th ITC Hub in East Berbice

As Government move to transfer the delivery of government services through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions, another ICT hub was commissioned in East Berbice, Corentyne, Region Six. The latest launch was in Budhan Scheme, Caracas, West Canje, Berbice. The location is the West Canje Community Centre.

The launching of the hubs represents the Government of Guyana countrywide E-Government Project which is implemented by the Ministry of Public Telecommunication (MoPT) through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

The foundation to establish the ICT hubs are to create a partnership between communities and government where the latter is offering an accommodative number of computers and free e-Government WIFI.

Last November, residents of Caracas were engaged through a community meeting by staff of the Region Six NDMA office where they were apprised of the government’s plan of ICT development in the community. Following that meeting, other meetings were held where the residents showed much delight about the project. The Caracas hub has been equipped with 14 laptop computers and internet access, which will benefit students of the Berbice Educational Institute, Lochaber Primary School, and the residents by extension.

Speaking at the event was Director of Community Development and Social Management for the NDMA, Mr. Phillip Walcott, who reiterated the theme “Connecting Digitally for the Good Life.” Mr. Walcott said that the new hub has been commissioned at an opportune time since the Ministry will be launching an ICT training programme soon. He also outlined government’s plan to have all government buildings and all primary schools connected by the end of 2018. All secondary and tertiary education institutions were connected earlier.

Also speaking at the event was Mayor of New Amsterdam, Ms. Winifred Haywood. Ms. Haywood, a retired headmistress and practising pastor in her speech welcome the resourcefulness and encouraged the residents to optimise the use of the hub. She also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Telecommunication for the initiative. (Kaieteur News)