Building relations at community level critical to work of MoPT
DPI, GUYANA, Monday, February 19, 2018
Outreach Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT), Donnella Collison said that through community outreaches in remote and hinterland areas, the Ministry has been able to forge relationships with teachers and other professionals who will assist with the much-needed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training of students and other residents in these areas.
Donnella Collison, Outreach Coordinator, Ministry of Public Telecommunications.
Speaking during a visit to the Kurupukari E-Government site in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) on February 17, 2018, Collison said that “we have made a number of important connections with teachers, community leaders in these areas where the persons know exactly who need the training and who can provide it as well”.
The Outreach Coordinator underscored the importance of meeting with residents, Toshaos and other regional officials in an effort to efficiently address the communication needs of the people.
She noted that village leaders are critical to providing relevant information to the residents, especially as it relates to training dates.
During the meeting with the Region Nine Chairman and other officials from Government agencies in the region, Collison said building relationships with the people not only augurs well for the training aspect but can forge meaningful business relations and other initiatives.
“In Linden, someone approached about some training they wanted to do on domestic violence. My relationship with that woman enabled me to get in contact with 30 different women, who are all interested in getting some form of training.”
Part of the gathering during a meeting at Lethem, Region Nine, Outreach Coordinator, Donnella Collison is also pictured.
She told the officials that dedication to the task is pivotal to providing great opportunities for these residents and taking the process of bridging the gap between the Coastland and Hinterland.
Older residents were also encouraged to take advantage of the ICT training when it becomes available given the importance of technology in the modern world.
Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Floyd Levi said that most of the work in ICT was concentrated along the Coast, however, it is the intention to fully roll out the services in that region.
He expressed optimism that government services, will in the short term, be accessible to all in Region Nine, including pension.
Levi alluded to the efforts of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in putting many of its services online, emphasising the necessity of fast and efficient internet access.
By: Stacy Carmichael
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