Internet in Region 9
Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes and a team comprising officials from the ministry and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) are in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region (Region Nine) meeting with residents and regional executives to address concerns relative to Internet connectivity.
Minister Catherine Hughes handing over five laptop computers to students of St Ignatius Secondary School
In her first engagement with officials from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Regional Executive Officer Kerwin Warde and other sector representatives at Lethem, Minister Hughes informed that the team would be conducting a needs assessment in an effort to determine what is required to strengthen the e-Government service.
She explained that the administration’s overall thrust is to create access to more online Government services in the hinterland, and to ensure that educational facilities and other agencies are equipped with Wi-Fi.
The meeting, the minister said, offers an opportunity for the representatives to interface and discuss ways in which the residents of the region can capitalise on Internet connectivity for enhancing their lives.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Chairman of the NDMA, Floyd Levi, who said this visit is the first for 2018 in the region, and marks the beginning of the initiative to extend e-Government services to remote communities.
He disclosed that the NDMA would soon be establishing an office in the town of Lethem, with at least one administrative staff member to assist the region with technical issues that may arise.
Levi said the vision is to foster a close relationship with the regional administration, to ensure the efficient execution of the Authority’s mandate.
A smart classroom equipped with teleconferencing facilities is soon to be launched as well.
