PM Spencer on Antiguan Tech

Antiguans Becoming Fully Techno Savvy  

By William Doyle-Marshall

Antigua and Barbuda’s eighth annual ICT Fest (Information and Communication Technology) is currently taking place in the island’s Multi-purpose cultural Center. It started Tuesday and concludes Thursday.

   Prime Minister Winston Baldwin Spencer spoke about the event last Sunday during a town hall meeting here with nationals while organizers were preparing to host what he termed this very successful innovative, regionally and internationally acclaimed festival.

   The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology (MIBTST) is taking the lead role in the initiative and it is committed to ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to make Information and Communication Technology( ICT) accessible to all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

 According to Prime Minister Spencer the ICT Fest attracts individuals, companies and anyone with an interest in the technology. “We are able to bring to the fore during that period some of the tremendous work that Antiguans and Barbudans are doing innovating things by utilizing modern technology to set up their own businesses,” the Prime Minister said.

   He reported that there are many young Antiguans who are into IT in a big way. This is in keeping with the government’s vision of what the future of Antigua and Barbuda is going to be like with this technology. Spencer stressed.

PM Spencer gets an

ear full from MP Jim 

Karygiannis, MP for 

Scarborough-Agincourt 

 

Everyone wants a word with PM Spencer

      Under the Connect Antigua and Barbuda initiative which has been in place for some time, Prime Minister Spencer said government can take mobile IT (information technology) classrooms to students and communities around the island on a daily basis. In these mobile IT classrooms students and members of the community can have access to them as they roam throughout the island.

   “We also have 24 access centers in schools and seven community empowerment centers. We also have a technology for the physically, visually and otherwise challenged. So as we say we are not leaving anyone behind. Even these individuals will be exposed and have access to the modern technology,” the Prime Minister promised.

    Spencer express his pride in those nationals who have been able to come to Canada and make a name for themselves and their family. He confessed being aware of the challenges some have overcome in order to make a living and a home here. “For that reason I am indeed happy to be here this evening to share this dialogue with you on the growth and development of our beloved country and the challenges we encounter as my government and people forge ahead to make Antigua and Barbuda strive,” he assured.

The Prime Minister was in Canada to participate in independence celebrations organized by Consul General Janil Greenaway. He informed the town hall gathering that he was there to focus on them and he was particularly interested in their concerns. “Your homeland Antigua and Barbuda is in steady and safe hands as we manage our affairs in these challenging times,” Spencer advised.

  While Antigua and Barbuda are faced with many challenges and problems like most countries in the world, the Prime Minister was satisfied, the government and people of Antigua are doing reasonably well under the circumstances.

   He agreed that things can be better and there can be absolute improvement. However, he continued “within the context of the times I would want to believe we are doing our best and there is always room to do better to improve”.

  On the economic front Spencer reported, despite the challenges, things appear stable and government has not been forced to lay off hundreds of public sectors. The global slowdown between 2009 and 2011 severely affected economic activity in tourist arrivals, foreign direct investment inflows and remittances and a collapse in fiscal revenue. Never-the-less things have begun to improve with gross domestic product projected to expand by 2.3% this year as tourism related activities are showing encouraging signs of a recovery, Spencer said.

“Implementation of far reaching and structural reforms, financially supported by three standby facility with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) aimed at creating a more dynamic and flexible economic environment are fostering sustainable long-term economic activity. In this regard for 2013 and 2014 economic activity is expected to increase by 2.8% and 3% respectively. Already figures for the first quarter of 2012 are showing improved fiscal performance.”

  Prime Minister Spencer returned home after leading nationals in a flag raising ceremony at the Toronto City Hall, delivering the keynote speech at the independence gala and meeting nationals at the town hall session in the North York Civic Center.