Government to use ICT in creating a green economy- Minister Hughes

GINA, GUYANA, Friday, October 21, 2016

The development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is going to parallel the government’s efforts to transition to a green economy. Minister of Public Telecommunication, Catherine Hughes in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the government is looking to use renewable energy to support ICT infrastructure in hinterland areas.

“Everything is so interconnected we are talking about creating ICT hubs in the most remote of communities. There is no (Guyana Power and Light) GPL there at this point in time, no hydro-dam that is providing electricity to these areas so this whole thrust has to be supported by a very aggressive green economy policy that looks at the renewable sources of energy” Minister Hughes said.

Most of these ICT hubs that are being created will provide solar farms that can manage the development of solar and wind energy in some areas Minister Hughes explained.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to a green economy, the Minister explained that efforts to assess local hydro power projects are continuing.  “The pressure is on within this government to find additional sources and projects that we can develop our hydro potential. We have not put that aside, when we put aside Amalia all we said that was far too expensive given what it would have given and I’m convinced that very soon we will hear about that.”

Minister Hughes emphasised that hydro power is a huge area of interest to the government and therefore the possibilities of ensuring there is power for ICT projects through renewable sources is a reality and they can only deliver if the two goes hand in hand.

The Public Telecommunications Minister added that every Ministry is interconnected. “In Agriculture, you know there are so many possibilities, somebody in the Pomeroon is bottling thousands of bottles of coconut water on her own, therefore one of the things our development thrust is dependent on is private sector using their initiative and being able to venture into new initiatives.”

The Minister is positive about incorporating ICT in renewable energy and urged Guyanese to take advantage of the situation. “The government will create jobs but the economy is mostly run by small businesses so let’s be involved.”

Hughes pointed out that one must change their attitude towards success,  “There are no shortcuts to success if you want to reap the rewards”, the Minister said.

 

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur