CARICOM High-level Confab… Granger calls for advancement of single regional ICT space

Jul 06, 2017 News

The President of Guyana and outgoing Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), David Granger, has called on his colleagues to advance the roadmap for a single Information Communications Technology (ICT) space for the region.
The roadmap, which is a brainchild of CARICOM, will allow for harmonisation of ICT and other legislative framework in member states.
The roadmap will result in the removal of roaming charges; the encouragement of digital entrepreneurship; equip all citizens as Digital citizens; and establish ICT as a means of financial solutions among other regional benefits.
It is anticipated that the initiative will also provide for a single area code, as well as address spectrum and broadband matters.
It was reported, also, that the single ICT space will aid in collaboration among regional law enforcement officials particularly in countering financial crimes and terrorism.
The roadmap was prepared by a highly technical team that was headed by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and was presented in February last year at the 28th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. It was subsequently given the green light by the Heads during that meeting.
Granger, during his remarks at the 38th Meeting of the conference of Heads of Government currently being held in Grenada, said that the roadmap will help to “straddle” the 3,200 km2 of sea space – which separates Nassau in the north from Paramaribo in the south – through ICT.
“We must advance that roadmap,” the outgoing Chairman urged.
The President’s call would come at a time when Guyana is executing its ICT projects.
Some $1.58B was allocated to E- Government initiatives this year of which an estimated $114M will be spent for the provision of public internet access at over 600 Government buildings across the country.
An estimated $90Million is being used to provide ICT access to the hinterland, as well as poor and remote communities throughout Guyana.
Minister of Telecommunication, Catherine Hughes, during her 2017 Budget Presentation, told the nation that the administration intends to expand the reach of Government services to the hinterland.
Community ICT hubs and Public Internet Access Points (PIAPs) will be established in Masakenari, Annai, Lethem, Waramadong, Paramakatoi, Aishalton, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Linden, Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Kwakwani, in addition to at least 24 more pilot communities across Guyana.
Works have already commenced in these locations with the procurement of internet from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (G&TT) Company.
It was reported last month, that 30 of these hubs throughout the state are currently under construction in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara); Four (Demerara/Mahaica); Five (Mahaica/Berbice); Six (East Berbice/Corentyne); and Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo).

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