MINISTER of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, has disclosed that in the coming year attention will be placed on implementation of new digitalised systems, even as she pushed for reduction of taxes on smartphones.Speaking to reporters on Friday, the minister indicated that part of the mandate for 2017 is to ensure that the ministry “ups the game,” in terms of providing more digitalised services offered by Government.
One service she emphasised strong attention will be given is the passport application system, which will allow persons the opportunity to apply online.
Lines at the Passport Office are oftentimes long and painstaking, and at the earliest next year, the minister is hoping to solve this problem with introduction of the online service.
In an effort to make the service effective and efficient, the ministry will be moving to expand their broadband and Internet access to the rural and hinterland areas.
Developing this network and Internet connection do not only allow for the use of services, but it will also give farmers and others a chance to market their produce in coastal areas, regionally and farther afield.
“Better ICT in rural areas can help to boost entrepreneurial activities and grow the nation even further. For instance, companies abroad are interested in tropical items that are produced locally… developing a better network for persons will allow them to take and make orders easily,” she stressed, while adding that there are simple technological items that can be used to do these tasks.
One of the simple methods of networking in today’s era are smartphones.
Minister Hughes also pointed out that in some countries, smartphones are classed as computers and taking that into consideration, thought can be given to decreasing taxes on phones so as to make them affordable.
Increasing the affordability will be beneficial to young people in particular, given that they are the future of tomorrow.
Shifting the attention to young people, she highlighted the fact her ministry is doing its part in ensuring that this group is technologically inclined.
Hughes made reference to the recent “Hackathon” that the ministry conducted, which resulted in the development of five “Excellent apps” geared at improving security in Guyana.