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Final batch of OLPF computers due shortly

Jul 29, 2015 News

– first preference for teachers

The government has disclosed that rather than scrapping the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) arrangement, it intends to distribute some 10,000 laptops, currently on its way to Guyana, to teachers, schools and communities.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Monday provided an update on a project that is just one of three sections of the past (People’s Progressive Party/Civic) administration’s efforts to modernize the country’s Information Communications Technology (ICT). The other two were the Brazil-linked Fibre Optic cable, running from Lethem to Georgetown and the installation and commissioning of a wireless and terrestrial network system from Moleson Creek to Anna Regina.
Between 2010 and 2014, through the National budget, the then PPP/C government allocated some $20B (US$100M) for a number of projects under the guise of upgrading the country’s ICT Industry to a world recognized standard. The country’s longstanding poor internet connectivity speeds were cited as a principal reason.
The PPP/C launched the OLPF project in January 2011. The government at the time had planned that under the project it would distribute 90,000 computers to poor families across the country over a three-year period.
However, Harmon explained that the project had not been properly thought out by the previous administration and would have to be re-organized. He stated however that the computers would be linked to the E-Governance aspect.
“It didn’t seem to be a well-thought-out arrangement, but we’re going to do those things.” Harmon promised.
Harmon also affirmed that the project would take on a more community-based theme, in order to make areas more accessible as well as making internet connectivity more available.
Harmon also recommitted to ensuring that schools are the focus of the exercise, in particular ‘one laptop per teacher.’
“The President’s whole focus is about education and getting computers into the schools and the communities.”
Thus, Harmon said, the final batch of laptops would be utilized for this purpose. Asked about the delay, he denied that the Government was stalling the distribution.
“There were three batches. Two have already come, and the last batch is on its way. So it’s not a question of stalling.”
According to Harmon, the last batch consists of close to 10,000 computers, with the order of distribution laid out as Teachers, then Schools, and finally the communities.
He could not confirm whether the first or the second batches of laptops were covered under a warranty. However, the Minister did reveal it was the second batch, from Great Walls, a Chinese company, that had myriad problems including battery pins, causing it to not be distributed.
The Minister also revealed that the amount of computers rendered inoperable was close to the amount that was being brought in.
The new administration is reported to have dismissed some 40 OLPF employees, following a visit to the project offices in Queenstown by the Minister of State just days ago. During the visit, he had noticed ‘inconsistencies’ and is also reported to have been shown a storeroom full of laptops.

(Jarryl Bryan)

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