Community ICT Access Point Opened in Albion, St. James

Residents of Albion and adjacent communities in Montego Bay, St. James, now have the benefit of a community access point computer resource centre.

The facility, located at the Social Development Commission’s (SDC) office, has been equipped with 18 new computers, among other provisions, by the Universal Service Fund (USF), an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, at a cost of $3 million.

The centre, which was officially opened by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, on January 31, is the result of a partnership involving the SDC, the Community Development Committee (CDC), and the government, through the Ministry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Paulwell said the centre is a “fine example” of what can be achieved through partnerships.

He noted that the government is working to ensure that, in due course, every Jamaican will have access to information and communication technology (ICT), thus enabling them to tap into the world of unlimited knowledge.

In this regard, the Minister informed that the USF has been directed to ensure that ICT access is delivered across the length and breadth of Jamaica, adding that they have responded well to this charge.

“(I have asked them to) let us find the rural parishes, let us find rural communities, and bring the technology to all our people. I am encouraged by what the Project Administrator has planned and indicated as the way forward in relation to (the provision of) these facilities,” he further said.

Mr. Paulwell contended that Jamaica has an advantage in terms of how technology has been and is being developed and endorsed, which must be fully utilized if the country is to record significant growth economic.

“This facility (at Albion) has been designed and established to enable training, for our students to come and do their research and homework, and further enable other members of the community to (grasp and understand) the technology, despite (their) age.  We encourage you all to come on board,” he stated.