Should Government incentivise Internet usage?
ACCORDING TO Dr Paul Golding, professor of management information systems at the University of Technology, as the largest local employer, Government may be better able to encourage behaviour by incentivising people or businesses to carry out more transactions with them online.
“These are decisions which Government should make in order to push technology usage. It must be cognisant that not everyone will use it, so persons who want to come in should still have that option, but provide the options and what you will find is that over time, people change,” he said.
However, Colin McGann, assistant general manager for business development and research at the technology company MC Systems, offered a different viewpoint.
McGann said Jamaica may benefit more from improving access and public awareness, especially in rural communities, where access is lowest, rather than Government providing incentives.
“The Government should ensure that Jamaicans from all walks of life understand the opportunities that the Internet brings to the table and how it can positively impact their lives,” he said.
“I strongly believe that all Jamaicans should be given the opportunity to participate in the global economy and, as such, Internet access should become a fundamental right,” he concluded.