ICT for a better Jamaica

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Dear Editor,

The impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been very pervasive in developed and developing countries, especially in the Caribbean. Respective heads of governments have implemented and executed ICT policies and strategic plans for social, economic, political as well as intellectual and technological development. These they make simpler and easier to achieve by establishing and realising sectoral achievement plans. The realisation and proper utilisation of such a plan will undoubtedly give Jamaica's economy a "push start" towards development and sustainability. Furthermore, this realisation will pave the way for the creation and establishment of new technologically driven jobs, eJobs, but citizens will need the training (knowledge), access and infrastructure to make this into a reality.

The results for this roll-out will be astounding. Take, for example; the agriculture sector. With the inclusion of ICT there can be stabilisation of the market and increase in profits, thus ultimately facilitating improvements in the country's economy. Simply put, the establishment of a closed user group (CUG) designed for farmers and agricultural agencies can allow for a mobile network that each farmer, once registered, is automatically included in the group. This group, attached to a telecommunications service provider, will authorise the issuing of cellphones to farmers so that they can receive text messages and short messaging services (SMS) about proper planting techniques, climate changes, pesticides and fertilisers available, availability and proper usage as well as can allow for there to be a standardisation of crop prices on a parish level and ultimately, islandwide. Additionally, the consumers can subscribe to a similar network that disseminates information about crop availability and pricing, as well as the best deals available to consumers.

The inclusion of ICT in the operations of the country can be of further benefit to other sectors such as health, education and help aid with proper governance and citizen participation. Jamaica, so far for the past three years, has been the recorded leader in the Caribbean, as it relates to the implementation of eGovernment online facilities deployment. Some government agencies currently online are: the National Land Agency, Management Institute for National Development (MIND), Jamaica Customs, the Registrar General's Department and the Office of the Registrar of Companies. The results of these agencies are proof that we as a country can utilise ICT for the development of other sectors.

In the health sector, this can prove to be an asset as there can be the facilitation of more distant consultation by doctors with patients that are in remote locations who are unable to pay the fare to go into major cities to health centres for face-to-face consultation. This can increase the number of consultations done yearly, as well as reduce the daily clutter in our hospitals, and by extension other areas in the dissemination of health care.

The education sector is another area that can greatly benefit from this inclusion as citizens need proper instructions on how to manipulate and use this technology for their advantage. Educating the masses on how to make use of this technology can further yield higher achievement scores and a more intellectually empowered and knowledge-driven society. Distance education can further facilitate a more empowered society driven through ICT's involvement in the creative process. More online courses can result in more enrolment, which means cheaper cost and ultimately more educated citizens in the country to help participating through e-governmental avenues and thus aid in the decision-making processes of the country as well as foster a higher literacy rate for the island.

But if policies are not in place and adhered to as the infrastructure, access and knowledge is not available to citizens, then their participation can never be a realisation. Phillip Paulwell experimented with ICT 11 years ago, Christopher Tufton for months has been endorsing this move along with Patrick Casserly. Let us as Jamaicans join hands and "set di ting" right, so that our children's future can be astonishingly bright. I will be holding the current elected administration accountable, as one of its aims is to utilise ICT for growth potential, with special focus on an industry essential to national growth. They have made it clear that this is one of the areas they will be focusing on to achieve national growth.

ICT will create a better Jamaica.

Adrian St P Duncan

adrdun@hotmail.com

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ICT for a better Jamaica