Over 80 percent of Public Telecommunications Ministry’s work programme completed – Min. Hughes

─ to date 135 ICT hubs, 175 primary schools, 120 government agencies, 37 technical and tertiary institutes connected countrywide

─ 35 hubs established in 2018 thus far

─ US$17M ICT Access and eServices project for Hinterland, Poor and Remote communities cleared for roll out  

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, August 29, 2018

At the half-year mark, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications had completed over eighty percent of its 2018 work programme. This was disclosed by subject minister, Catherine Hughes during a recent mid-year interview.

“We at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications are very excited at the things we have been able to achieve. This has been a very fast-paced and rapidly moving year for us so far,” the Minister said.

In total, from September 2016 to present, the ministry has provided 175 primary schools, over 120 government agencies, 37 technical and other tertiary institutes with free internet access across the e-government network, “that is safe and secure that allows citizens, students, administrators, the public service to be able to do more, because they’re connected,” Minister Hughes noted.

She said the ministry, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), continues to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs across the country, with the current total at 135 hubs.

A total of 35 hubs were built and commissioned this year including Yakusari and Baracara villages in Berbice, and Victory Valley in Linden.

Minister Hughes informed that the ministry is now clear to begin the 5-year ICT Access and eServices project for Hinterland, Poor and Remote communities.

The first shipment of materials is expected in Port Georgetown shortly.

This is a US$17Million project funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). 

By: Stacy Carmichael.

Image: Keno George.