Computer recycling project in Trinidad and Tobago supports community development

Spreading a ‘common ICT-wealth’ across the 53 member countries of the Commonwealth will help unleash human potential, said Secretary-General Don McKinnon.

He also said the wealth of knowledge and opportunities that come with access to information and communication technology (ICT) will give a great lift to communities.

Mr McKinnon spoke at the signing ceremony of a US$100,000 Commonwealth Connects initiative to fund the Computers for Communities project in Trinidad and Tobago. The country’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Glenda Morean-Phillip, signed the funding agreement with the Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, UK, on 26 July 2007.

“Having information at one’s fingertips can make all the difference between success and failure,” Mr McKinnon told the Commonwealth News and Information Service.

The Commonwealth Connects funding is in support of efforts to boost computer usage and skills in the country. Only 10 per cent of the 1.3 million strong population of Trinidad and Tobago has access to the internet. The government aims to provide free internet access to more users through the Computers for Communities project, which has an estimated cost of $500,000 that will be borne by the state.

Ms Morean-Phillip said Trinidad and Tobago was pleased to collaborate with the Commonwealth Connects programme to develop the Computers for Communities project.

“This sponsorship is greatly appreciated by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as it will help to empower a lot of our young people by improving their skills and enhancing their credentials for employment,” she stated.

Computers for Communities involves the recycling of used computers for schools and communities in Trinidad and Tobago, which will provide supplementary funding and manage the project through the Ministry of Public Administration and Information. It will work with Caribbean governments and the private sector to obtain used computers for refurbishment in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Computers for Communities project will help expand the pool of trained ICT technicians, as well as create jobs in the ICT sector. It is in line with one of the key areas of the Commonwealth Connects programme of promoting local ICT access and connectivity among member countries.

Commonwealth Connects focuses on the development of ICT policy and regulations; modernising education and improving skills; promoting entrepreneurship and reducing poverty; as well as expanding regional networks, local content and knowledge.

The event was also attended by Dr Michael Frendo, who is Commonwealth Connects Chair and Foreign Minister of Malta.

Commonwealth Connects was established last year as part of the response to a mandate given to the Commonwealth Secretariat by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in 2005. It aims to bridge the digital divide between those with access to ICT and those without, with the goal of using technology as a development tool.

Key Links:

• Commonwealth Connects
• Country Profile: Trinidad & Tobago