PM Hands Over Computers to Students, Nurses and Libraries

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, on Friday (March 23), handed over 60 Lenovo laptop computers valued at approximately US$65,000 to the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) and secondary and tertiary students.

The provision, being made for the second year, is as a result of partnership involving Mr. Holness, through the Office of the Prime Minister;  Lenovo, which is one of the largest global suppliers of computers; and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), a leading manufacturer of microchips for computers.

The NAJ and NLS each received 10 computers, while the remainder were presented to the students, who reside and attend secondary and tertiary institutions in Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine.

Mr. Holness, in his address during the brief presentation ceremony at Jamaica House, welcomed the collaboration to facilitate the provisions.

“It gives me great pleasure to be partnering with AMD and Lenovo… (and) to say… how much it means to us, the Government of Jamaica… that these two companies are exhibiting incredible corporate social responsibility in providing these computers to the people of Jamaica,” he said.

He expressed the hope that the partnership will be extended, with other computer manufacturers coming on board to ensure that important segments of the society can benefit.

Wolmer’s Boys’ School upper sixth-form student, Renardo Facey, who was among the beneficiaries, said that “in this day and age, if you don’t have access to a certain level of technology, you are actually at a disadvantage”.

“So, on behalf of all the beneficiaries, I just want to extend gratitude to all the sponsors and everyone who worked to make this initiative possible,” he added.

Managing Director of RMP and Associates Limited, the local distributor of Lenovo laptops, Reece Kong, noted that Lenovo and AMD have been involved in Jamaica’s educational development over the last two years.

“We are very happy to be a part of this event (and) look forward to further association. We know that these machines are going to go into deserving hands and that everybody is going to be happy with (them),” he said.

Also expressing gratitude were Members of Parliament for East Rural St. Andrew and South St. Catherine, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness and Fitz Jackson, respectively;  NAJ President, Carmen Johnson; and Acting Director General of the JLS, Maureen Thompson.