Project to refurbish used computers launched in Trinidad and Tobago

A project to refurbish used computers for distribution to small businesses, schools and disadvantaged communities has been launched in Trinidad and Tobago.

The initiative, a joint effort of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Microsoft Corporation, was launched on 27 November 2009 in the wings of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Port of Spain.

Speaking about the project, Commonwealth Secretary-General,Kamalesh Sharma said the initiative illustrates the value of partnerships between the public and private sectors for the benefit of communities.

“This is a welcome project which is in line with the theme of CHOGM ('Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future'), and our commitment to bridge the ‘digital divide’, the gap between those with and those without access to information technology,” Mr Sharma said.

The Secretary-General noted that millions of citizens in the Commonwealth have no access to information and communication technology, and hoped the project would be replicated in other Commonwealth countries.

A key component of the project will include responsibility for the proper recycling and disposal of computers at the end of their life cycle.

Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Public Administration, Kennedy Swaratsingh, said that the initiative marks a significant step towards meeting the objective of providing a computer for every child, and improving access to technology among communities throughout the country.

Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO, said that fostering entrepreneurship through information technology is critical to economic growth: “We are enthused by this project, because computer refurbishment centres provide one of the missing links for many micro and informal businesses in the country.”

Microsoft also brings its expertise to the partnership, and is now conducting a market study in conjunction with the University of the West Indies to provide the skills required to build a business model for the programme.

For more information please contact: John Mollenthiel, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Public Administration, at mollenthielj@pai.gov.tt.