Govt. ICT Network to Be Managed By Single Entity

A central entity is to be set up to manage the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) network of the Government.

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, said the action, which has been approved by the Cabinet, will enable the merger of two critically important entities  – the Central Information Technology Office (CITO) and Fiscal Services Limited (FSL).

Mr. Paulwell was speaking at the launch of the 100th Community Access Point (CAP) at the Social Development Commission’s office on Port Henderson Road in Spanish Town, on February  20.

The central office, to be called  eGov Company Limited,  will be housed at the Ministry, and  will be manned by a Chief Information Officer.

“We have to get our telephone costs down, eliminate the various platforms that we utilize as a government and have in place one single but capable platform, which will have the requisite broadband capabilities that can be robust and eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that we cut the cost of government,” he said.

Mr. Paulwell  pointed to the speed of doing ebusiness with government, and that with the proliferation of smart phones, there should be little need for persons to go in person to government offices to transact business.

“That cell phone is for more than just talking; it’s a computer and it can enable the revenue to increase. When you make it easier for people to pay their bills,  they will gladly pay, just to forego the inconvenience of  long lines,” he said.

Applauding members of the community for doing their part in ensuring that the Community Access Point was set up in their area, the Minister called on all to take advantage of  the facility, especially the senior citizens.

The setting up of Community Access Points is  to facilitate internet access by residents   across the island.