– more than 400 devices distributed on first day

THE Government’s One Lap Top Per Family (OLPF) initiative was moved to Region 10 on Saturday, and more than 400 persons from central Linden received their devices, while close to 300 new applications have been made.Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, urged recipients to use their device as a stimulant for job creation and capacity building.

“In this Government, there is a policy framework, a background and a reason why this is being done. When this initiative was announced for 90,000, we recognised that Guyana needed to move into a new wave of information communication technology,” Minister Edghill said.

He disclosed that the initiative was also factored in as part of diversifying the economy, and pointed out that, currently, over 3,000 young Guyanese work in a hi-tech environment known as call centres, which never existed years ago.

Minister Edghill said call centres give persons the opportunity to earn as they work for companies in foreign countries, while being in the comfort of their own countries.

“In Guyana, we have embraced that as a new and emerging information and communication technology sector, so when we sought to bring to the people of Guyana the OLPF programme, it was factored to prepare all of Guyana, so that no one would be left behind,” he declared.

Minister Edghill added that, through this initiative, every family is being afforded the opportunity to become computer literate, whereas only certain families had this opportunity a few years ago.

“This is development with dignity that the Government has brought to the people of Guyana. From today, you will have the same opportunity as those who are considered the rich,” he promised.

Speaking of the possibilities which this initiative now opens for beneficiaries, Minister Edghill pointed to the persons being able to acquire a degree from the University of Guyana in the comfort of their homes.
Single-parent mothers can as well now work from the comfort of their homes with this new era of information and communication technology.

“For single moms, it is designed as a stimulant for job creation training. You have to know how to equip yourself for job creation, and (access) opportunity for employment,” he said.

Minister Edghill also spoke of universal access, as being the beneficiary of a computer now puts people in touch with family members and friends all over the world.

“Guyana must have equal access. We are committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity to all Guyanese. We want to assure you that you are not forgotten, and you are a part of the scheme of things — all policies and programmes. You are included so that you can be beneficiaries of development,” he said.

He urged the residents of Linden and surrounding communities to raise community awareness, as they, too, have a role to play in further development of their respective areas.

“We hope to bring about community awareness…let the country be developed, and all we are asking in return is for you to be a community-minded and developmental-oriented citizen,” the Minister declared.

The OLPF team would be in Linden over the next few days to conduct their distribution exercise from which close to 4,000 residents would benefit.

The recipients were very pleased at having received their devices, and expressed their gratitude to the administration. One pensioner, Cedric Smith, said, “I’m happy to be here today to collect this computer which was given to us. I must congratulate the Government, for they have seen it fit to connect Guyanese with the rest of the world in an efficient manner.”