Govt launches technology plan

The Ministry of Public Administration and Information officially launched the National Information and Communication Technology (NICT) Plan for Trinidad and Tobago with a gala ceremony at the Cascadia Hotel on Monday night. Entitled “Fast Forward,” this new plan seeks to propel TT into the global information age by providing all citizens with affordable Internet access, developing the skills of both adults and children, as well as maximising the potential of all citizens to develop a knowledge-based society. Fast Forward is the result of a mandate put forward by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and involving five main working groups comprising some 250 persons from both the private and public sectors. A team of experts from Canada was highly instrumental in assisting the working groups in the plan’s development. Canada has already assisted several countries with their connectivity strategies.

Speaking at the launch, managing director of Republic Bank and chairperson of the Economy and Finance Working Group, Ronald Harford, commended Government for recognising that TT will not achieve developed nation status by 2005 without the proper utilisation of Information and Communication Technology at all levels. This knowledge, he said, was the “raison d’etre” of the NICT plan. Harford said, “ICT has already taken root in TT, but will only develop to its fullest potential through the intervention and incentives that come from clarity, vision and policy.” “I am certain,” he continued, “that Fast Forward has provided this framework.” “It acknowledges the need for liberalisation of the telecommunications market, investment in ICT infrastructure and training opportunities to develop the skills of our nationals to support this sector,” he said. He further noted that Fast Forward promised to promote TT as a hub for financial services. As such, he said, the private sector and, in particular the banking industry, had a major part to play if the country was to fully participate in the global information economy.

Bazil Crozier, director and officer of the International Partnerships Industry, Canada, expressed his belief that Fast Forward was a comprehensive strategy which addressed all the social, economic and cultural elements required for a successful connectivity programme. It used technological advances to empower people and organisations, he said, in addition to reflecting government’s leadership TT, he continued, has committed to becoming an active player in the global information society. “The opportunities that lie in front of you are both real and attainable,” he maintained. The Fast Forward plan has a deadline date of 2008 and outlines 14 programmes and approximately 100 individual projects that will transform TT into a knowledge-based society.

These include the introduction of Community Access Centres (CACs) in all areas of the country to provide community members with affordable Internet access and the development of the Knowledge Innovation and Development (KID) Programme. This programme will focus on the development of children, providing them with the necessary academic skills and technical tools for success in the digital age. Government and the private sector are presently exploring a number of strategies aimed at accelerating the e-Economy, stimulating economic growth, increasing competitiveness and assisting with poverty alleviation. Government intends to prepare legislation to support on-line security privacy and data protection, electronic documents and signatures as well as intellectual property. A Code of Practice for consumer protection in electronic commerce will also be developed.