2017 was hectic year for ICT development – Minister Hughes …says most targets achieved

Dec 25, 2017 News

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is continuing its mission to transform Guyana into a knowledge-based, well educated society with people and businesses that are productive and globally competitive.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, stated that ICT has become the main ingredient for development all over the world so it was imperative that Guyana and all of its peoples become proficient, and able to participate in the exciting future that lies ahead.
“2017 has been a hectic year in the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. We continue to face a few challenges but by and large, the Ministry has achieved most of the benchmarks we had set ourselves,” Minister Hughes stated.
Based on a very detailed survey that was completed in December 2016, the Ministry designed a 5-year project to take the Internet and Government’s e-Services to Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities.
This project is being executed under a U.S $17 million fund through the Guyana/Norway Agreement and will be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Hughes, the programme has had the benefit of public review and consultation in June of this year, and earlier this month they were able to sign on the dotted line with the requisite funding now intact.
The project will now set to start in January.
“The benefits for our people in the identified communities are tremendous. Over 89,000 residents in approximately 170 communities will have access to more than 200 ICT hubs to be created over the five-year period. They will have access to online public eServices such as filing tax returns and applying for business compliance certificates,” the Minister stated.
Another benchmark achievement was the completion of the restructuring of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) which was merged with the executing arm of the Ministry, the eGovernment Unit.
“This was to enable us to satisfy government’s commitment to improve the delivery of public services as well as citizen-to-government interaction,” Hughes stated.
She noted that the re-purposed NDMA is tasked with executing all eGovernance programmes; leveraging eGovernment as the platform for sustainable economic and social development; and developing an information-led, transparent society in which most citizens will have access to the internet – improving inclusiveness, accountability and good governance
The NDMA, according to the Minister was able to achieve the operating, expanding and securing the national eGovernment Network – which provides internet connectivity
Utilizing this network, the Ministry has provided free internet access to 53 Government ministries and agencies, more than 95 secondary schools, the three campuses of the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.
Additionally, free internet access has been provided to over 37 technical/vocational institutions including the Carnegie School of Home Economics; to the offices of Regional Education Officers, and to several non-governmental organisations.
“The NDMA has worked closely with communities and villages in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten and has set up 86 ICT Hubs with computers donated by Government thus providing nearly 200,000 citizens with access to the worldwide web,” Minister Hughes noted.
She added, “Drop in to any of these hubs and you will see a flurry of children and teenagers rushing to complete homework or just to play. So rest assured this was achieved in 2017 and is not fake news.
Also connected were Regional offices, public hospitals and airports.
After some construction delays, Minister Hughes noted that the NDMA has completed the rehabilitation of the Center for Excellence in Information Technology with support from the Government of India in the amount of $70 million.
Located on the University of Guyana campus we are preparing to commission it by March 2018. The Centre of Excellence in IT is expected to bridge the gap between academia and industry providing specialised ICT training to develop competencies among Public Sector ICT professionals
“Even though it has not yet been commissioned, it has begun to fulfil its purpose. So far, three training courses have been conducted,” Hughes stated.
Once fully commissioned, the Centre will offer a range of industry related and Over 100 students are expected to graduate in 2018.

Latest News

2017 was hectic year for ICT development – Minister Hughes …says most targets achieved

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

St. Lucia’s Elite Blazers takes aim at FIBA 3×3 World Tour in...

Petra/Milo U18 Football kicks off Round II action...

Track and Field clubs demand nullification of AAG...

Joint Statement from WIPA and CWI on Athlete...

RCNA launches Childhood Obesity Prevention...

FL Sport donates stumps to Meten-Meer-Zorg...

Features/Columnists

Following one’s conscience rather than the crowd

If Guyana’s President Ali is the “Zelensky of the Caribbean”, who is the Putin?

New beginning, or beginning of a nightmare?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

2017 was hectic year for ICT development – Minister Hughes …says most targets achieved

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 17th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]