DEVELOPMENT of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector should take a bilateral approach involving the inputs of the public and private sector here.

This is according to Lance Hinds, Ministerial Adviser at the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. Hinds was at the time addressing delegates at the Annual General Meeting of the trade association of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Caribbean, CANTO, which is ongoing at the Marriot Hotel at Kingston, Georgetown.

During the morning session on Monday, Hinds, who is the Director of Industry and Innovation at the Ministry of Public Telecommunication, spoke of the need for a collaborative approach towards the development of the local ICT sector. He said that in Guyana, there is need for education in the sector to “filter down” to all parts of the community. “Collaboration is key,” he said in this regard. “By only working together things will happen,” Hinds told the audience.

Hinds said that while internet service providers may face challenges, there should be adjustments to fit today’s demands of the sector. He said the service providers would experience challenges in their mandates, as he noted that in the society there is a “speed hungry” generation who awaits the development of the sector.

Hinds told the audience that there must be commitment from everyone involved, that they should understand the value of ICT and its needs going forward. Nationally , Hinds said the ministry has been able to promulgate internet access in many areas across Guyana .He said there exists a draft framework for a national strategy, as he informed that there is an increase in private sector firms locally , including an increase in software development firms.

As he spoke of Guyana’s commitment to the development of the sector, Hinds noted that the fact that a ministry was formed and a minister named to lead the development of the sector, speaks of the regime’s commitment. He said the minister’s job is to convince her colleagues that despite all the challenges the country face, the investments by government in ICT over the medium to long term will provide the returns. “And that is the commitment that the minister has to make going forward,” he said.

Hinds said areas of focus on the agenda of the ministry include the creation of an enabling environment which will support increased connectivity and infrastructure, modernisation of existing legislation as well as introduction of new legislation.

In addition the enabling factor should also focus on nationwide training as well as curriculum review of the ICT sector. He said it should also focus on entrepreneurships as well as start-ups and include a policy for business facilitation. The three-day meeting is aimed at deliberating along the chosen theme: ‘transitioning to a Digital Region: Opportunities and Challenges’ to contribute towards improving the state of the Region.

On Sunday , while delivering the feature address at the opening of the AGM, Minister of Public Telecommunication Cathy Hughes who, while highlighting the strides of Guyana in the telecommunications sector in the last few years, pointed out the need for the Region to work together. She noted that the chosen theme is both critical and timely, as it will enable stakeholders to take a closer look at the current state of development and growth of the ICT sector. She told the delegates that in 2019, Guyana will continue work on its draft National ICT plan; advance its National Broadband Project and will be working towards having 200 government services online by 2020.