PM urges increased use of computers
Guyana Chronicle
December 11, 2006
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds has noted that computer technology is rapidly developing in Guyana and urged Guyanese to ensure they learn to use computers to become more productive.
Addressing the graduating class of the Rishi Dayananda Learning Centre at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, and others Friday, he said Guyana needs to keep abreast with modern technology, like any other place in the world, especially in the face of globalisation.
“We have to be competitive…to be competitive, we need to be skilled,” the acting President said, as he commended the graduating class, the teachers and others who contributed to setting up the learning centre, including Mr. Vishnu Bandhu who resides in the United States. The centre is Bandhu’s brainchild.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said Mr. Hinds also lauded Bandhu for his contributions to the country and for encouraging other Guyanese to contribute to furthering the development of Guyana, especially in the area of education.
“The more people work on something, the easier it is to get it done,” he said as he also challenged all families within the vicinity of the centre to ensure they make use of the opportunity to use the centre.
About 35 students graduated from the centre yeserday and received certificates for successfully passing courses in Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Word, Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Excel, internet and email and other courses.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Mr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul, who also addressed the gathering, noted that the government has been placing much focus on the development of the information technology sector and recalled President Bharrat Jagdeo’s commitment to ensuring that the sector is advanced and all Guyanese are equipped with knowledge of the modern tool.
“Since government took over in 1992, the computer has become a household tool,” he said, emphasising that computers are not taxed.
The centre was opened in 2004 and since then has seen several batches of students becoming computer literate.
The centre operates out of the Vreed-en-Hoop Arya Samaj and Bandhu pointed out that the intention was to make good use of the building whenever religious services were not being held.
GINA said he announced that the centre will soon be offering courses in Microsoft Project, Microsoft Publisher and Digital Cameras.
It will also be offering scholarships to students whose parents cannot afford to pay tuition fees.