ICT equipment valued at a quarter of a million EC dollars was on Wednesday presented to four different organizations, by NTRC, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.
The bulk of the donation went to the island’s Youth Skills Training Programme, with Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports Justina Charles receiving that gift on behalf of the programme.
The 40 personal computers and three multi-function printers being made available to the programme is valued at EC$161,000, according to NTRC Commissioner Willie Fevrier.
He said it was the NTRC’s wish that “these equipment will provide the necessary tools for the youth in Roseau, Portsmouth, Grandbay, Castle Bruce, Wesley and Grandfond.”
Also benefiting was the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities – it received 10 computers and other material costing EC$33,000.00.
Five computers and related material were donated to the La Plaine Resource Centre with Education Minister Peter St Jean, the parliamentary representative for the La Plaine constituency accepting the equipment on behalf of that Centre. That donation is valued at EC$32,000.00
The St Joseph resource centre was also presented with some equipment.
According to Fevrier the funds that facilitated Wednesday’s donations were made available from the World Bank in collaboration with ECTEL, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority.
Youth Minister Charles said the provision of the computer equipment was significant because many graduates realize that academic achievements alone will not prepare them for the labour market, and that ICT must play an integral role in the lives of young people.
The minister and her colleagues, Education Minister St Jean and Information Minister Ambrose George all called for the donated ICT machines and other equipment to be put to the best possible use.
Nice vibes…nice news….that is a positive step in the right direction….Hats off to Mr. Willie (Joe) Fevrier, Ms.Charles and all the others who helped to make this happen.