Technology Ministry Pushing Initiatives To Streamline ICT Infrastructure

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Ministry is currently executing several initiatives, aimed at streamlining the Government’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.

Addressing a welcome reception for the Tech Beach Retreat at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resort, in St. James, on December 5, Mrs. Williams said the Government is committed to move Jamaica on the digitisation path, and has been accelerating efforts to include the passing of the Personal Data Protection Bill.

“This will lead to greater efficiencies, cost savings and ease of doing business from internet speed and accessibility to a one government communication network,” said the Minister.

“In Parliament, I am leading the effort to pass our Personal Data Protection Bill into law. As you are well aware, that is going to usher in a new regime for our citizens. We have to do this because we are a member of the global world,” she added.

Mrs. Williams said a campaign will have to be done to educate citizens on their new rights and how they think about their personal data.

The Minister highlighted the progress made at the recent Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean, which sought to identify and evaluate how to enhance protection of Jamaica’s cybersecurity infrastructure from potential cyber threats and cyber attacks.

“As a Ministry, we are working to create the change that is needed in Government and we are encouraging businesses to do likewise through our agency called eGOV Jamaica Limited, which is soon to become the Government’s ICT authority,” Mrs. Williams said.

“We (Government) embrace digital technology with all that it is capable of allowing us to do today and I would implore all our companies to do likewise, in order to remain relevant and competitive.

We want Jamaica to be one of the global hotspots for technology,” she added.

The fourth staging of the Tech Beach Retreat will be held from December 5-7. The event will feature local and international speakers who will drive panel discussions and workshops, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, investments, partnerships and innovation in the global ICT markets and industries.

Co-Founder of Tech Beach Retreat, Kirk Hamilton, noted that the event is designed to drive a greater level of collaboration by having “like mind beings connect and meet in one place.”