ICT Access Centre Opens in St. James

Minister of Digital Transformation Hassel Bacchus is defending the government’s continued move to push the country’s digital thrust. Speaking at the Opening of the 26th ICT Access Centre in St. James on Friday, he said T&T was rated “fairly reasonably high” on its willingness to accept technology. The ICT Access Centre, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources, aims to provide digital access and literacy to the community. Minister Bacchus said there’s a further push to get that target to 50 within the coming months, standing by the government’s thrust to continue this agenda. “When we embarked as a government on this digital transformation thrust, we recognised a couple things. We had a reputable international organisation come in and examine Trinidad and Tobago to see our readiness for digital and digital transformation. And that turned out to be quite good, actually. We were rated fairly reasonably high in terms of readiness, in terms of people’s willingness to accept technology.” However, he acknowledged that not everyone has access to technology. “When we embarked on the journey, we said no one should be left behind. And we recognise that if we rolled out a number of digital initiatives, rolled out a number of digital applications, rolled out things and made them the exclusive way in which you can interface with government for services, then a lot of people would be left behind.” The facility is equipped with computers, internet access, printers, scanners, and staff to assist users. Minister Bacchus emphasised the importance of providing guidance to those who may not be familiar with technology. “So when you come to the access centre, even if you don’t know how to do something, even if you just have an idea that you want to check something, there will always be someone here to guide you through that process.” He encouraged the community to make wide use of the facilities available. “Please come and use it. If there are any issues, online as well. The same place that they’re coming to use it; if there’s something wrong with it, there’s an Engage TT which you can use to get into it. The ministry’s website is there. If there’s a complaint that you have, you can put it in there. Everything that you need to be able to give us the feedback to be able to make things better.” With the expansion of more ICT Centres on the horizon, he said these initiatives aim to increase digital accessibility and inclusivity throughout the country.