Programmes Being Developed to Help People at CAPS

Programmes aimed at enabling persons to use technology available at the island’s 182 community access points (CAPS) are to be developed for implementation by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining.

State Minister, Hon. Julian Robinson, says that in addition to enabling persons residing in the communities where the centres are located to “earn money legitimately,” they will provide opportunities that “will make our CAPs more sustainable” by charging a “relatively small (user) fee.”

Mr. Robinson gave details of the project during his 2014/15 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on June 11, under the theme: ‘Information and Communication Technologies as Enablers for Growth and Development’.

The State Minister said the CAPs are intended to provide access for persons not in possession of, or privy to a computer, and the attendant technology, such as the Internet.

“When persons know that they can use the facility in a way which enhances or uplifts them, then (I believe) they will be willing to pay that money (user fee),” Mr. Robinson said.

The State Minister reminded the House that community-based organizations, such as churches and sports clubs can apply to the Universal Service Fund (USF) to have CAPs established in their areas.

“Once you have the physical facility and, importantly, once you have the management team to ensure you can effectively manage it…the USF (will) provide it. This is to ensure that the least able (of persons) have access to computer technology and the Internet,” Mr. Robinson said.