Shulinab gets free satellite wifi
─Far-flung but no longer isolated – Minister Bulkan
DPI, Saturday, Wednesday September 28, 2019
The approximately 500 Makushi and Wapishana residents of Shulinab, Region 9 are now receiving free internet access. This follows the installation of a solar-powered, satellite ICT system in the village office, on September 27, 2019.
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan speaking to DPI during a visit to the community of Shulinab in Region 9
Deputy Toshao Calvin Jose said the system, will bring immense benefits to not only adults but students especially. “We were suffering, in past years. We never had proper communication.” The senior village leader added, “the teachers and the children who have do research, SBA’s, assignments and it’s a great benefit… It is very good!”
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who visited the South Rupununi community over the weekend, described the installation done by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications as “truly transformative. I do not think it would be unfair to say the future has arrived here in Shulinab. It is, for the first time, connected to the information super highway with this facility that brings a free internet connection.”
He explained that the state-of-the-art system, was one of those installed in 24 communities across the region, “It began last year with internet connections in Masakenari, Ishalton, Sand Creek, and Karasabai. And just recently similar connectivity was installed in the villages of Fair View, Kurupakari, Surama, Woweta, Bina Hill, Kwatamang, Annai, Rupertee, Aranaputa, Toka, Massara, Crash Water, Rewa, Apoteri, Yakarinta, Parikwarinau, Potarinau here in Shulinab, Katunareb and Sarwariwau.”
Minister Bulkan highlighted that the residents now have communication with not only neighbouring communities but also Georgetown and anywhere in the world, instantaneously, “It means that they have access to government offices, any government ministry, whether in the region or Georgetown. They can access Facebook and also make free WhatsApp calls to any community of any part of the world. So, Shulinab might be remote but it is no longer cut off. This is transformative.”
The ICT hub is among the measures initiated by the Coalition Government to bring the gap the between the coast and hinterland communities. Minster Bulkan also disclosed that the community will shortly receive 25 computer systems to complete the hub.