‘Technology will revolutionise education, economy’ – President Granger
- ICT Roadshow opens
DPI. GUYANA, Monday, July 9, 2018
The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Roadshow officially got underway today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
President David Granger, delivering the feature address said the digital state will foster economic development and revolutionise the education sector. The application of ICTs, he noted will add value to primary production and ensure greater access to internal and external markets.
“ICT effectively deployed can promote improved productivity and competitiveness. It is a manifestation of technological progress fostering innovation and consequently, economic growth,” the Head of State pointed out.
Importantly, President Granger said digital technology will improve the delivery of public services to citizens, who within the coming years, will no longer have to travel outside their regions to file income tax returns, apply for passports and birth certificates, among other services.
The educational value of the digital state, the president said, can be encapsulated in the phrase: “Log on, look, listen and learn.”
“The ICT sector requires brain power, the Public Education system is being reconfigured to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education so as to develop the human resources needed for a competitive ICT sector,” he added.
Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes said the ICT Roadshow offers an awesome opportunity for persons to be informed about modern global technological trends.
“Through an array of quality presentations in e-Agriculture, new financial payment systems, ICTs for persons with disabilities, the development and use of new apps that will make our lives easier, glimpses of the technological trends of the future… you have an awesome opportunity to be infused,” she noted.
Secretary-General, CTU, Bernadette Lewis said each roadshow is uniquely crafted for the advancement of the host country.
Among many other objectives, Lewis said the roadshow seeks to dispel the fears citizens have about technology and sparks their imaginations on the power of ICT to enhance and transform their lives.
Workshops are being held throughout the week on e-agriculture, the concept of 21st-century governance, Data analytics, Cyber Crime and more.
On Wednesday, July 11, Minister Hughes and a team of CTU officials head to Annai, Region Nine for an ICT Forum.
A Youth Fair is slated for Friday, July 13 and a special e-agriculture forum on Saturday, July 14 in Region Six with farmers to conclude the event.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and several other ministers of government were in also attendance.
The CTU Roadshow has been held 23 times in 18 Caribbean Countries and this marks the first in the new series, created to reflect the advances in the sector.
By: Stacy Carmichael.
Images: Keno George.