Public Telecommunications Ministry to create new ICT policy

The Public Telecommunications Ministry has announced plans to craft an Information Communication Technology (ICT) policy framework, which is expected to bridge the gap which exists between the hinterland and coastal communities as well as to steer Guyana onto the path of 21st Century technologies.
These plans were announced by Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes earlier this week, who noted that the framework was also intended to develop other areas in Guyana.
“The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is developing the policy framework for the full utilisation of ICTs for our national development. This framework at a microeconomic level seeks to facilitate sustained economic growth and poverty reduction; promote social justice, transparency and equality; mainstream gender in national development; empower the youths and disadvantaged groups; stimulate investment and innovation and create universal access,” Minister Hughes stated.
She noted that the benefits of the policy are goals which Guyana should work towards. However, the framework will only be effective if the current legislation is modernised along with the development of the current ICT arrangement.
“These, of course, are lofty goals which we’re determined to uphold and deliver. We recognise, however, that every other policy initiative of this nature, there are going to be challenges. We have to continue to develop our ICT infrastructure. We also need to continue to modernise our current legislation and policy frameworks and we have to evolve our education methods and delivery for the 21st Century environment.”

It was related that technology is the way forward for continuous development, since communities would be linked and the safety of citizens would be improved. Furthermore, the implantation of these technologies has already been implemented in some public institutions.
“This environment uses technology to provide more Government services to our citizens, online learning and telemedicine till we reach our remote hinterland communities. Smart classrooms and smart hospitals are already being constructed here in Guyana today, and soon the use of technology to create a safer city is going to be implemented,” Hughes posited.
Meanwhile, the training of personnel in the various fields of communication will also be done to highlight the intervention measures that are being taken by the Ministry to transform Guyana into a digital nation.
“We are creating a digital Guyana. We know that we have to look critically at our human resource development and strategies and so our commitment to training will take us all there.”
This week, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has been hosting a roadshow in collaboration with the Ministry in various regions across Guyana. Some of the activities that were hosted include an e-agriculture workshop, community outreaches, a cyber-security workshop and an ICT youth fair. The roadshow concludes today.