NCTI better equipped to empower young people

The Centre of Excellence located at Diamond is now better equipped to conduct its information and communications technology (ICT) training and courses,{{more}} thanks to a donation of 29 computers and a server, compliments the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

A ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Centre, where government officials, representatives from the business community and members of the media had the opportunity to view the lab, where the computers have been already installed.

Chairman of the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Centre of Technological Innovation (SVGNCTI) Willis Williams expressed appreciation to the ITU for their timely donation.

He explained that the ITU is an organization that donates only when they see that the people they are donating to are worthy of their donations.

“I think they have made a good assessment of the NCTI and we welcome this donation and they are worthy of praise for making this donation,” he said.

Williams assured the ITU representatives that the equipment will be put to the best use in assisting in the development technology here.

Meanwhile, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) Brahima Sanou commended Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves for his vision to use ICT as a key pillar for development.

Speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Centre of Excellence located at Diamond on Tuesday, Sanou, an African with 30 years experience in the telecommunications and the ICT sector, said information and communications technology (ICT) is one of the key contributors to education development.

“I am happy to say today that we are working in this sector, where the only asset you need to be at the top is your brain.

“This is the most well shared resource in the World. It doesn’t depend on your race. It doesn’t depend on the country you are coming from; it doesn’t depend on your size nor does it depend on your religion. It’s just the things that you must share with the world. Which means that when you look into ICT, all the countries are on equal foot,” Sanou stated.

The BDT Director said the Centre of Excellence is a true testimony of the vision of the future which will in turn empower young people in SVG.

“I would not say ITU has given some things to St Vincent and the Grenadines. ITU has accompanied St Vincent and the Grenadines in realizing their vision…” he added.

Other speakers at Tuesday’s ceremony included Minister of National Mobilization Frederick Stephenson; General Manager for the SVGNCTI Raymond Ogbogu and Consultant in charge of Special Projects in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jerrol Thompson.

Following the brief remarks, a short tour was given of the lab where the HP computers are installed.

The lab, according to Ogbogu, will be used for a number of purposes, including medical coding, software development and advanced training in different ICT courses.(AA)