Guyana hosting Caribbean ITC roadshow

…digital state will provide a medium for connectivity – Granger

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on Monday commenced the first day of its week-long road show in Guyana, which was designed in collaboration with the Public Telecommunications Ministry, to raise awareness on the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The roadshow, held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Innovation: The Engine For ICT-Enabled Development” at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, saw the inputs of various entities within and beyond the ICT sector.
Addressing the gathering at Monday’s proceedings was Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, who underscored the importance of ICT to the development of Guyana, which allows for entrepreneurial activities.
“We continuously read and see how this sector is becoming the engine for growth. In the Caribbean Region, the past two decades has been a period during which we’ve seen the introduction and rapid spread in the use of mobile phones, personal computers, tablets, the Internet…” she said.
She noted that those countries that have capitalised on these information and communication technologies have seen significant social and economic development. As such, they have also undergone beneficial economic transformations.
“I’m certain that I’m preaching to the converted, and informed when I tell you that countries that have harnessed fully the potential of information and communication technologies have attained significant social and economic developments.”
Meanwhile, President David Granger, who declared the event open, posited that the digital state would provide a medium for connectivity and promote innovation.
“The digital state will trigger economic transformations, support a knowledge-based industry by diversifying the economy away from pressure of reduction, moving manufacturing and building greater economic resilience,” the President said.
While there are some challenges attached to ICT development in Guyana such as the topography of the hinterland regions, the roadshow is expected to assist in bridging these gaps via discussions and interactions with persons in remote communities.
Meanwhile, CTU Secretary General Bernadette Lewis emphasised the role and impact that these technological advancements would have on the lives of persons with disabilities.
“There will be sessions to raise awareness and demonstrate ICT tools for the blind and for the deaf. The roadshow’s future casting sessions will present many cutting-edge technologies,” Lewis stated.
The roadshow will run until this Saturday. It is extended to other areas such as Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and will cater for everyone, including youths and persons with disabilities. Some of the activities that will be hosted throughout the week include an e-agriculture workshop, community outreaches, a cyber-security workshop and an ICT youth fair.
The event was launched in 2009 to commemorate the CTU’s 20th anniversary and has been hosted in multiple Caribbean territories throughout the years.