– Minister Singh tells ICT graduates in Linden
Over the past few years, government has been placing significant emphasis on transforming Guyana’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) outlook. Thus far, there have been great achievements, including expansive access to computers and the internet, a continuing effort that gives Guyanese the opportunity to learn and use ICT skills. “Once access and the opportunity are provided, then there are no barriers to skills being embraced and utilised for personal uplift and national purpose. Government has recognised the opportunities presented by ICTs and that the most critical barrier that has to be overcome is the barrier of access,” Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh expressed at an IT graduation ceremony at the Watooka Club in Region 10. 
Twenty three persons graduated after completing courses in office ethics, introduction to Windows, Microsoft Word, power point, publisher, excel, access, outlook and computer repairs and networking.
There was a 95 percent pass rate with Andrea Dover being the top student with 82.4 percent.  The recipients benefitted from an initiative facilitated by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) which is a Government of Guyana programme that provides funding to aid development locally and nationally.
Government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, have been trying constantly to mobilise resources while ensuring that those resources are utilised in a manner that really meets the needs of Guyanese, explained Dr. Singh.
Dr. Singh expressed his satisfaction at being able to attend the ceremony which presented the opportunity to put in context training programmes within the national agenda, since government believes that all Guyanese should be equipped with the skills that are relevant to the economy of today and that of tomorrow.
“When we speak of the national budget’s theme- together (working together/partnership) building tomorrow’s Guyana today (concept of the future, vision for Guyana in the future), that theme could not be more relevant than on an occasion when we speak of Guyanese people acquiring IT skills – the theme of partnership, the theme of tomorrow and the theme of doing that work today”, Dr. Singh explained.
“We have said in almost every major policy document issued by the government including our national ICT strategy and importantly including successive national budgets… we believe that the future of our country lies in a more diversified economy and in particular an economy that mobilises current and futuristic technologies to aid deficiency, to create new opportunities for growth and expansion, and to improve people’s lives, ensuring they have the skills to get jobs, the tools to access information, to ensure they are well informed,”  he emphasised.
Dr. Singh posited that each one of these dimensions has been unfolding and today the ability to use IT in an office environment literally transforms the efficiency of employees.

He explained that persons should be able to uplift government forms online so that they would not have to approach the entity several times. When e-governance is fully implemented, Guyanese will be able to do so and even submit those forms electronically.
“ICTs has also been a significant creator of jobs significantly. In the last four to five years, we have moved from a point where there was virtually no ICT industry, as a provider of jobs, to a situation today where over 2500 persons are directly employed in ICTs,” Dr. Singh pointed out. He was referring to the existing call centres in Regions 4, 6, 10 and Georgetown, which provide services to people in other parts of the world.
“I have no doubt that in the economy of tomorrow it will not be possible to survive without ICTs. For this reason, efforts will be continuous to address access,” Dr. Singh stated. As a result, government is currently bringing a fibre optic cable, via Lethem to Georgetown.
Government is also working with private sector agencies to ensure wider access.
Apart from the graduation ceremony, the Minister officially launched a new IT centre at the Watooka Primary School that will discharge an extremely important function in the community.
“Government believes strongly in a model that is sustainable, that has at its centre partnership. We’re also creating access by the community to information technology and to its remarkable benefits and opportunities to everyone’s lives,” Dr. Singh indicated.
He urged the Parent Teachers’ Association and community to ensure the facility is taken care of, allowing as many people as possible access to the facilities’ services.
The recipients of the programme were also urged to share their knowledge to those persons who have never had access. Additionally, the community was also urged to focus on ensuring that the males have access to education so that they can participate in the new emerging economy.
Project Manager, BNTF, Michael Singh, expressed satisfaction for the IT programme being delivered in Region 10. He explained that BNTF is a Government of Guyana programme whereby funding is made available by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Canadian International Development Agency.
The agency operates under two broad components, infrastructure and skills training.
The first training in ICT was done in Hururu and expanded to other communities, including Cotton Field, Region 2; Enmore, Region 4; Bath, Region 5; Port Mourant, Region 6; Lethem, Region 9; and Mabaruma, Region 7. Also as part of the skills training aspect, a large sewing class was recently completed in Region 9 where over 250 women received training.
Project Steering Committee Member BNTF, Margo Boyce, emphasised that out of all the projects undertaken by BNTF, this training is critical to meeting the social needs of vulnerable communities throughout Guyana.
“The promotion of social and economic inclusion through access to information and communication technology is the bedrock of the Government of Guyana, and with this thrust, is creating a transformative environment which will open up opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship,” she said. 
This was made available via efforts by the schools’ Parent Teacher Association (PTA) which approached BNTF seeking assistance for funds to construct a computer lab for the school, with the vision of making it available to teachers, parents, students and the community.
The intention was eventually for the longevity of equipment to convert the IT lab into a full-fledged document and internet research centre. The lab was furnished with 15 computer systems, along with power supply, voltage regulator, laser jet printer, white board, chairs, and air conditioners; and a meal was also provided daily for the trainees by BNTF.
This project also received significant support from the RDC, LEAP, PTA, Pioneer Construction Company and the Education Ministry’s School Improvement Programme (SIP). (GINA)