GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, last Wednesday, noted that technological development has its advantages and disadvantages.

He made this observation while addressing a function at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House) to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO)- youth arm of the PPP.
Mr. Rohee stated that years ago, people did not enjoy the luxury of having cell phones and other electronic devices. He noted that nowadays people do not have only one phone, but several, also, some years ago persons had to walk great distances to make phone calls, but now times have changed; people could now transmit information in a split second.
Mr. Rohee, however, added that this vast development in technology can be a bad thing and a good thing.
He used an internet source to give the audience an example of a bad aspect of information and communication technology. He referred to the pro-democracy protest going on in Hong Kong, during which youthful protestors used “tech tactics” to protest by posting scenes of the protest on Facebook and other social media. A young girl who was studying, saw the post and rushed outside to get a first-hand look and was affected by tear gas thrown by police to disperse the protestors.
He noted that the cell phone is a powerful tool and can be used to do many things and this is a typical example of what could possibly take place in Guyana, and stories such as that in the example can spread panic and encourage others to get involved in activities that are not conducive to progress.
Mr. Rohee urged persons to be careful how they use technology to transmit information, and also to know what they are posting on social media, because once it’s there, it can send out either a positive or negative message.
He then mentioned the positive aspect of people benefiting from technology through saving them money. Business people for example, do not necessarily have to expend large sums of money travelling abroad to sell their products; they could do so through the internet.