ICT REVOLUTION P u t t in g P e o p l e F i r s t
Ministry of Information, ons Broadcasting and Telecommunications Office of the Prime Minister
The Information Communication Technology Revolution is Putting People First My Government’s “people first” philosophy manifests itself in every component of the ICT Revolution currently underway in Antigua and Barbuda. Every component of the ICT Revolution is about people and the empowerment of people, and as your Chief Servant, I have already endorsed its multi-faceted components Congratulations to Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister. Few persons could be more passionate about Information and Communication Technology than is my Minister with responsibility for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications. There is no question that under the Hon Dr Mansoor’s oversight, Antigua and Barbuda has moved rapidly to a fast track on our Digital Agenda. Congratulations as well to his hard working teams at the Information Technology Center, the Telecommunications Division and the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative. This ICT Revolution has actually ushered in another important and exciting chapter in the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda. It has already begun to open up benefits to our population out of all proportion to our country’s size. In this era of globalization, access to technology is like access to education; it is a catalyst for people to lift themselves out of poverty. ICTREVOLUTION • 1
Technology is a tool for, not just a reward of, growth and development. As Antigua and Barbuda continue to grow and develop, my Government is providing these tools, these important technology tools, across the length and breath of our Nation. My Government pledged to integrate information and communication technologies (ICTs) into the fabric of our Nation’s daily life. This is not an option. It is a necessity if Antigua and Barbuda is to rise to First World standards and status. My Government has been reaffirming that pledge. My Government reaffirms that pledge because we are continuing to build an “intelligent nation”, one in which the acquisition of new knowledge and new skills is an important component. Every individual, regardless of age, who wants an opportunity to equip him and herself with IT skills, will be given an opportunity to do so by my Government. Congratulations to the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications for revolutionizing Antigua and Barbuda with ICTs.
Hon Dr Edmond A. Mansoor Minister of State Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Building A People-Centered ICT Society The Government’s commitment to a “people first” philosophy has resulted in the careful and methodical building of a peoplecentered information and communication society. Antigua and Barbuda already ranks high in the development of ICTs in the Caribbean region. In our digital quest, however, the Government is looking beyond leadership in the sub-region, to being at the leading edge in the global context. This is an ambitious aspiration. It is, however, an achievable goal. I see leadership in Information and Communications Technologies as Antigua and Barbuda’s best option for country competitiveness in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, and in the global economy. In this mission, we dare not restrict our vision and our national mobilization to current benchmarks. We have to set our ICT perspectives beyond the leading edge
ICTREVOLUTION • 2
of such developments. The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications continues to lead the Government’s charge to bring about a genuine revolution in our twinisland Nation through the use of ICTs. ICTs have an extremely important role to play in the process of national development. The Government has been successfully building a peoplecentered, inclusive and development-oriented information society where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, and enabling individuals, communities and our people to achieve their full potential in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of their life. Join me and my hardworking and highly focused team in building this information-enabled, globally-connected, knowledge-based society.
CONTENTS 1.
Message from Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Baldwin Spencer.
2.
Message from the Minister of State responsible for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications
3.
Table of Contents
4.
Publisher’s Page
5
Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative
6-7
The Links within the Connect Antigua Barbuda
8-16
Community Computer Access Centers CAC’s
17-18
Coasting along the Super Highway
20-21
Community Technology Officers
22
Creating Opportunities for Micro and Medium sized Businesses
23
Education Max – Helping Students Reach Maximum Potential
24
The Multilingual Studies Programme - Training Global Citizens
25-26
Technology – A Sixth Sense for the Physically, Visually and Otherwise Challenged
27-29
Fantastic Fibre
30-31
Keeping and Electronic Eye on the Chamber
32
The New Face of Local Television and Radio
33
The Face Of Local Television
34-37
Ongoing Training For ABS TV And Radio Staff
38-39
Broadcasting Without Boundaries
40-41
How We Say Good Morning In Antigua-Barbuda
42-43.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Standards
44.
New Equipment
45-48.
Technology Powered Protection
49.
Building A Portal To The World
50-53
Flashback To ICTFEST 2007
54-58
Harnessing The Power Of The Public Private People’s Partnership
59
ICTFEST COMMITTEE 2008
ICT REVOLUTION Putting People First Publisher: Ministry of Information Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Editor: Specialty Media Services
Photography: Office of the Prime Minister Joseph Jones Gemma Hazelwood Photogenesis Specialty Media Services
Editorial, Advertising Design & Production Specialty Media Services Nut Grove, StJohn’s, Antigua T: 722-2886 E: specialtymedia@gmail.com Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. ICTREVOLUTION • 4
CONNECT
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INITIATIVE
5
The Links Within The
Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative Information technology has permeated just about every layer of society worldwide today. This is no different in Antigua and Barbuda, facilitated by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications’ implementation of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative. The programme’s goals include promoting computer literacy, bridging the digital divide, and connecting Antigua and Barbuda to the world. Several distinct segments have been devised, aimed at increasing the usage of computerized technology by both students and adults. Components include the Community Computer Access Centers, Community Technology Officers, Mobile IT Classrooms, Education Max Advantage,
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the Multilingual Studies Programme, and Technology for the Visually, Physically and Otherwise Challenged. With ICT skills a requisite driver’s license to enable citizens’ access to the information superhighway, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made substantial investments in equipping the youth with the skills necessary to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century. Since technology is not a reward of development, but a tool for development, the government has collaborated with telecommunications providers to make available the benefits of new technologies, especially ICT’s, to all Antiguans and Barbudans. Designed to upgrade the intellectual capital of the nation and build an
Acting Director of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative, Beverly Laviscount open pluralistic society, where all residents have access to information and knowledge, the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative, launched in December 2006, is the government’s ICT flagship project. The brainchild of the Minister of State with responsibility for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Dr the Hon Edmond Mansoor, the Connect Antigua Barbuda Initiative is a blueprint for the rapid expansion of the Community Technology, Programme, which will ensure the deployment of new technologies, which will benefit all Antiguans and Barbudans.
CONNECT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA INITIATIVE Under the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative, several distinct programmes will form the basis for the rapid usage of computerized technology by up to 30,000 citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda (20,000 primary school students and 10,000 adults).
Technology for the Physically, Visually and Otherwise Challenged
Multilingual Studies Programme
Education Max Advantage
Community Computer Access Centers
Mobile IT Classrooms
Community Technology Officers
7
The UPP Administration is making the lives of young people brighter by equipping them with the IT skills necessary for them to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Community Computer Access Centers (CAC’s) The Government of Antigua and Barbuda The CAC’s are supervised by IT Teachers believes that young people, especially primary and/or Community Technology OďŹƒcers school students, will be the ones to reap the full (CTO’s). Participants are required to beneďŹ ts of the technology revolution. pre-register for classes. An instruction manual Since it is the lives of this age group that will is also provided.
broadband technology of a suďŹƒciently high quality to enable real time distance education t NVMUJQMF TFDVSJUZ GFBUVSFT JODMVEJOH remote monitoring by Special Security Services.
be changed most dramatically by technology, A registration form on the ďŹ rst day of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and classes captures biographic, demographic and Telecommunications in collaboration with planning data and the rules for the use of the the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth CAC’s are strictly enforced. Aairs have refurbished and retroďŹ tted facilities Each CAC is retroďŹ tted with: in several primary schools and in a number of t IJHI TQFFE DPNQVUFST empowerment centers. The CAC’s form the and a shared printer backbone of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda t IJHI TQFFE *OUFSOFU WJB XJSFMFTT Initiative.
Some ďŹ fty ďŹ ve (55) classes are held at the various CAC’s weekly. The three (3) available courses are: t *OUSPEVDUJPO UP $PNQVUFST t *OUFSNFEJBUF *5 VQ UP $9$ -FWFM t .VMUJMJOHVBM 4UVEJFT
8
Community Computer Access Centers Villa Primary Five Islands Primary Greenbay Primary Jennings Primary Liberta Primary Sea View Farm Primary Potters Primary Cobbs Cross Primary Holy Trinity - Barbuda Lower Ottos Empowerment Center Urlings Empowerment Center All Saints Empowerment Center Gunthorpes Empowerment Center National Technical Training Center Yorks Empowerment Center City East Empowerment Center
Number of Computers
30 25 20 24 30 16 31 24 10 15 20 14 8 32 15 7
Greenbay Computer Access Center While each resident of the Grays-Green Community endeavours, all can achieve at the Greenbay Primary School, where the first CAC was opened by Prime Minister and Member of Parliament, Hon Baldwin Spencer on Thursday, 7, September 2006. Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor described the opening of the first in a series of community based computer access centers, “as a very significant step in the quest to position Antigua and Barbuda to take full advantage of the explosion in wireless and other technologies.”
Five Islands Computer Access Center Technicians at the Ministry of Information Broadcasting and Telecommunications retrofitted a prefabricated container to house a modern, 25-seat computer classroom, complete with high-speed Internet access at the Five Island Primary School. Members of the Five Islands community were both elated and excited about the new Community Computer Access Center and many residents were fulsome in their praises of the efforts of the Member of Parliment, Hon Badwin Spencer in executing the project.
10
Villa Computer Access Center The Villa-Point Community is fully serviced with a modern 30-seat Computer Access Center at the Villa Primary School. Teachers and students also benefit from this facility.
Liberta Computer Access Center World Telecommunications Day on 7th June, 2007, under the theme “Connecting the Young - the Opportunities of ICT’s” was quite aptly commemorated with the opening of the Liberta Community Computer Access Center. Technicians from the MIBT renovated a building, which was originally erected to accommodate a computer lab, but left vacant and unused for several years. Now the Liberta Junior Secondary School boasts a modern 30-seat computer classroom with high-speed Internet access.
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Jennings Computer Access Center Residents of Jennings and its immediate environs are getting connected to the world via the Internet. CTO Lancelot Riley ensures that the CAC at the Jennings Primary School is optimally utilized. The Jennings Primary School boast a 30 seat classroom that benefits teachers, students as well as members of the surrounding communities.
Sea View Farm Computer Access Center The Sea View Farm community boasts a modern Computer Access Center that is fully wired into toady’s technology. CTO Elmon “Smokey” Benjamin helps in surfing the Internet.
12
Potters Computer Access Center CTO Claudia David helping to bridge the digital divide at the Potters Primary School where an old, dilapidated room was converted to a modern CAC seating over 30 persons.
Empowerment Centers
Gunthorpes Empowerment Center At the Gunthorpes Empowerment Center, a small but eďŹƒcient facility is the ideal environment for residents to keep in touch via e-mail and learn IT basics. CTO Ola Morton interacts with young and old while connecting to the super information highway.
13
Lower Ottos Empowerment Center Community Technology Officer, Elmon “Smokey” Benjamin, conducts “Introduction to Computers” classes at the Lower Ottos Empowerment Center. This center boasts some 16 high-speed computers all equipped with Internet access. Members of the Spanish-speaking community who reside in the immediate vicinity are also benefiting from specialized courses. English as a second language is being taught by special learning software and IT basics are being taught in Spanish.
All Saints Empowerment Center At the All Saints Empowerment Center, located adjacent to the All Saints Clinic and the All Saints Fire Station, the young residents of the area are connecting to the world via the Internet in a modern 16 seat CAC.
14
Urlings Empowerment Center In the southern part of Antigua, in Urlings, the residents are enrolled in an “intro to IT� course. The Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative is enabling people of all age groups to acquire important IT skills.
Yorks Empowerment Center The Yorks Community Access center can accommodate 15 individuals.
15
National Technical Training Center Under the “Technology for Institutes of Higher Education” strategy, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications has already equipped the National Technical Training Center on Nugent Avenue with an ultra-modern, fully-computerized facility. As the primary center for the delivery of the Teacher Training Programme of the Antigua State College, teachers can now benefit from distance education. CTO Martin Imhoff is shown conducting an intermediate level IT class as part of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative.
This CAC also accommodates the residents of: t 4VUIFSMBOET %FWFMPQNFOU t $BSOJWBM (BSEFOT t $BTTBEB (BSEFOT t 4U +PIOTPO T 7JMMBHF t 4LFSSJUU T 1BTUVSF t $BNQTJUF t 6QQFS (BNCMFT t $MBSF )BMM
16
Chief Executive OďŹƒcer of the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization (CTO) Dr Ekwow SpioGarbrah congratulates Minister Mansoor after winning the CANTO Connect the Caribbean project of the year -PPLJOH PO BSF F DPNNFSDF %FWFMPQNFOU $PPSEJOBUPS 5FSSZ &QISBJN BOE "DUJOH %JSFDUPS PG UIF $POOFDU "OUJHVB #BSCVEB *OJUJBUJWF #FWFSMZ -BWJTDPVOU
Coasting Along The Super Highway Most buses in Antigua will take you as far as English Harbour, Freetown, or Old Road. But these retroďŹ tted Coaster buses, a project of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Technology’s Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative, have been taking thousands of students on an unlimited journey along the information super highway. The project garnered the ďŹ rst ever Caribbean Asscoiation of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) Connect the Caribbean (CTC) prize this year in the Bahamas, during CANTO’s 24th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition. The judges were simply stunned by the technological scope of the project and the
extent of its community outreach. It takes ingenuity to transform a Coaster bus into a mobile computer laboratory. ACT’s Salomon Doumith, who played a key role in the project, explained that each obstacle was surmounted, from power supply to pouches on the backs of the seats, similar to those used on airplanes. Special brackets were designed to mount the monitors on the backs of the seats as well. Heads have been turning as the ďŹ ve retroďŹ tted buses roll by, but the average person cannot fathom that an entire world of possibilities lies inside. For the September 2008 to June 2009 school year, the buses will be available to
serve all public primary schools that do not have a Community Access Centre, as well as the Christian Faith Academy, Sunnyside Tutorial, Minoah Magnet Academy, and St Michael’s School. Students are excited when the Coasters arrive weekly and have been taking full advantage of their chance to learn more about technology. They may be too young to drive, but while aboard the mobile IT classrooms, there are no roadblocks ahead, only increased speeds on the information super highway.
17
Modern Toyota Coaster buses have been ďŹ tted out as mobile classrooms, featuring (17) high-speed, touch-screen computers with wireless high-speed Internet. Every public primary school that does not yet have a Community Computer Access Center is serviced by one of these mobile classrooms.
Using Wi-Fi technology, the Mobile IT classroom is ďŹ tted with seventeen (17) touch-screen computers with high-speed Internet access.
18
Ithlaine Browne, Joseph Edwards and Nicholas Jacob are part of the driver’s team that ensures that the mobile IT classrooms are moved safely around the country.
The mobile IT classroom component of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative won the “Connect the Caribbean” Project of the Year 2008. The award was made at Paradise Island, Bahamas by the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Orgnaisations (CANTO). 19
Community Technology Officers One of the successful aspects of the Connect Antigua Barbuda Initiative is that about 60 well-paying jobs have been created. Community Technology Officers (CTO’s), all of whom have particular IT skills, are responsible for managing the daily activities of the CAC’s and offer operational and planning support for the CAC’s. Their core tasks include: t DPOEVDUJOH TDIFEVMFE DMBTTFT GPS which they have been assigned t LFFQJOH MPHT PG UIF EBJMZ BDUJWJUJFT of the CAC’s to which they were
20
assigned t QSPWJEJOH MPHJTUJDBM TVQQPSU GPS the other components of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative (including the Education Max Advantage). Currently, 10 CTO’s are servicing 15 CAC’s and all the activities associated with CAC’s, including summer IT camps. Under the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative, all 30 public primary schools and 10 public secondary schools will each require a Community
Technology Officer assigned to it. The CTOs will zone coordinators. CTOs employed to co-ordinators and technicians.
report to the There are 10 date, two zone three hardware
The Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative is providing meaningful employment to over 25 persons. Sixty persons will be employed upon the completion of all components of the programme, and an additional twenty persons will benefit from indirect employment.
Hon Dr Edmond A. Mansoor Minister of State Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Permanent Secretary Cecily Philip
Connect Antigua & Barbuda Director (Ag) Beverly Laviscount
Operations Supervisor
Education Max Advantage Coordinator
Multilingual Studies Programme Coordinator
Technical Supervisor
Michele Michael
Asha Christian
Theo Noso
(1)
Zone Coordinators
Mobile IT Classrooms
Multilingual Studies Programme Instructors
Network Coordinator
(6)
(7)
(6)
(1)
Community Technology Officers
Hardware Technicians
(30)
(6)
21
Creating Opportunities For Micro And Medium Sized Businesses Visual Echo Nigel Scotland of Visual Echo has completed print and video work on ICTFESTS, Carnival Fiesta, the National School Meals Programme and the School Uniform Grant Initiative.
Irasha Productions Irasha Productions’ Sonji Davis completed features on the Romantic Rhythms Music Festival which was aired ABS 5&-&7*4*0/
Belmont Studios Marlon Jeers, managing director of Belmont Studios, completed video and audio work on the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative, the ABS Year in Review 2007, and ICTFEST.
22
Edmeade Graham Edmeade Graham has assisted with renovations at the following schools: Villa, Potters, Cobbs Cross, Jennings, Sea View Farm, -JCFSUB BOE 'JWF *TMBOET )F TVC DPOUSBDUFE TFWFSBM QFSTPOT UP provide a range of services during the upgrades at the schools to prepare the rooms to function as Community Computer Access Centers.
The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications is finding creative methods to get students hooked on technology. Here, Cherry-Ann Casimir, an Antiguan student, examines new technologies in Hong Kong in December, 2006 Casimir attended the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World Youth Forum after winning a special ITU Youth Fellowship.
Education Max Helping Students Reach Maximum Potential The Education Max Advantage programme targets the heart of our developing society: our primary school students and their instructors. ICT-based learning is designed to strengthen students’ performance in key areas including literacy and numeracy, computer literacy, and health awareness. Minister of Education the Hon Bertrand Joseph notes an unprecedented level of interest among the students and teachers and suggested this would be the springboard for improved results in both local and regional examinations in years to come. “We have seen the excitement within the educational sector with respect to the heightened interest of the young people as they are exposed to this new technology,” Minister Joseph said. “The Ministry of Education has had a fruitful partnership with the Ministry of Information Broadcasting & Telecommunications in terms of bridging the digital divide across the
various sectors of education, and exposing our young people to the new technologies. This has made it possible for many of our people within the educational sector to be able to have a window to the world and in terms of assisting them in furthering their education.” As a component of the programme, teachers will also boost their IT skills, using a train-the-trainers model. Training began for them in the last weeks of the summer holidays of 2008. Education Max has been successfully implemented by Cable & Wireless in TDIPPMT JO 4U 7JODFOU BOE 4U -VDJB BOE the telecommunications provider has now partnered with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on this as well. Yet another facet of the programme involves the implementation of a data management system which will create electronic records of students’ progress from the pre-primary to tertiary level. This, Minister Joseph said, would assist tremendously in identifying students’
problem areas and providing accurate data for those transitioning to other institutions. As part of its multi-faceted delivery system, Education Max will be delivered in a multi-media format which includes availability on the internet, video broadcasts on the Government Information Service (Channel 29), and attractive textbooks and workbooks.
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The Multilingual Studies Programme
Training Global Citizens
Multilingual Studies Program Coordinator Teobaldo Noso (L), who is uent in ďŹ ve languages, chats with Hon Dr Mansoor and Beverly Laviscount. While other components of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative ensure residents are uent in the international language of technology, the Multilingual Studies Programme is opening doors to enhanced verbal communication. With the state’s Spanish-speaking population already numbering in the thousands, and a signiďŹ cant percentage of non-native English speakers browsing the Internet, the Multilingual Studies Programme is creating global citizens in Antigua and Barbuda. The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications is utilising the Berlitz software series, one of the better known names in language instruction, to oer free classes in
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Spanish, French, Italian, German, and &OHMJTI BT B 4FDPOE -BOHVBHF “We thought it important to use our Community Access Centers to train not just people who already know English, but our Spanish population as well,â€? said Connect Antigua and Barbuda’s "DUJOH %JSFDUPS #FWFSMZ -BWJTDPVOU She indicated that there had been signiďŹ cant interest well before the programme got underway on September 8. Phase one saw evening 4QBOJTI DMBTTFT JOUSPEVDFE BU UIF -PXFS Ottos Empowerment Center, Potters Primary, Villa Primary, Cobbs Cross Primary and the National Technical Training Center. The second phase of the programme
will have tongues limbering up in German, French, and Italian. The Multilingual Studies Programme Co-ordinator and six instructors form the backbone of the initiative. Classes will be also be recorded and rebroadcast on the Government Information Service (GIS) Channel. With commercial and educational opportunities beckoning from far beyond Antigua & Barbuda’s shores, the Multilingual Studies Programme is empowering citizens to capitalise on opportunities here at home and beyond our borders.
TECHNOLOGY A Sixth Sense for the Physically, Visually and Otherwise Challenged The Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative has not overlooked a special segment of society, the physically, visually and otherwise challenged, and one important component has equipped students with the tools to keep pace with the changing technological landscape surrounding them. Over $150,000 has been earmarked, and has already begun to be spent at the Adele School, the School for the Blind, and the School for the Hearing Impaired within the TN Kirnon School. The Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities has also been targeted to receive an injection of technology. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Dr Edmond Mansoor has pledged that “the Government recognises the special requirements of persons with disabilities. They will not be left behind in the ICT revolution currently underway in Antigua and Barbuda.” “This will not be a one-off exercise,” Dr Mansoor promised. “Resources, financial and material, will be allocated on an ongoing basis to ensure the sustainability of this component. I have already had discussions with friendly governments and organisations to provide long-term support for this important initiative”. The Ministry is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital age. As Minister Mansoor aptly stated, “No one should be denied the potential benefits of new technologies.”
Disability poses no hindrance to technology, as the Visually, Physically and Otherwise Disabled are able to sharpen their IT skills through the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative. Students at the Adele School have taken full advantage of this new and exciting opportunity to learn.
26
Fantastic Fibre Undoubtedly, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a rapid expansion in ICTs over the last few years. One significant development in this advancement was the landing of a new submarine fibre optic cable. In December 2006, the Alcatel-owned cable laying ship, the Peter Faber, successfully landed the cable at Dickenson Bay, for Southern Caribbean Fibre. Since then, Antigua and Barbuda has never been the same. Previously, Cable & Wireless was the only company utilising this type of connection in Antigua and Barbuda. Digicel and Antigua Computer 5FDIOPMPHZ -JNJUFE "$5 DPMMFDUJWFMZ
invested over EC $20 million to ensure that a new cable was landed, and this is provisioned to provide 10 gigabits of capacity, providing Antigua and Barbuda with sufficient fibre capacity until the year 2030. According to the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Dr Edmond Mansoor, Antigua and Barbuda’s undersea fibre optic cable has the potential to increase connectivity and bring numerous economic benefits for the island.
and include cheaper Internet access, cable TV and enhanced broadband networks that help the development of Internet gaming, e-commerce, e-government, health, and social development. Future benefits include significant reductions in the cost of international telephone calls and even greater broadband capacity. With this fantastic fibre now boosting Antigua and Barbuda’s capabilities, the depth and breadth of the oceans pale in comparison to the potential that lies ahead.
Many of these aspects are already at work, ICTREVOLUTION • 27
A Pictorial of the Landing of a New Undersea Fibre Optic Cable in Antigua and Barbuda
1
4
7
10
2
3
5
8
6
9
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Keeping an
Electronic Eye on the Chamber The ICT revolution sweeping the nation has also whipped through the halls of Parliament, leaving behind the official stamp of progress. The new Parliament building is now a lot more media friendly, boasting high speed Internet and digital cable TV access throughout offices and rooms. Equipped with flat screen TVs and multi-media technology, the debating chamber now offers a whole new point of view. The minutest details are picked up, and can be recorded and broadcast, with the installation of four new remote cameras, controlled from the ABS TV operations room and mini studio housed on the top floor. "DDPSEJOH UP "#4 $IJFG &OHJOFFS %FOOJT -FBOESP UIF OFX equipment creates a much better work environment for ABS TV and Radio staff who spend long hours in the Parliament building. One person is able to remotely control all four cameras, significantly reducing the draw on manpower. Meanwhile, the full console built in the mini studio allows for more comprehensive video coverage of the events in the ICTREVOLUTION ICTREVOLUTION •• 30 30
debating chamber, and makes transmission of the TV signal easier for the operators. The equipment can also function as a standby studio, which can be utilized for carrying live programmes, other than the Parliamentary proceedings, and in cases of emergency. This studio is linked via a new microwave dish at Parliament and additional dishes on the roof at ABS Television. “There is also the capacity to link the studio to ABS via fibre PQUJD DBCMF w TBJE -FBOESP XIP TBZT UIF OFX FRVJQNFOU JT valued at roughly US$37,000. ABS Radio also has an operating booth on the top floor, and this is often utilised by freelance journalists fielding news stories to international media organisations. There is also now a modern archive of Parliamentary proceedings and presentations by Members of Parliament. A major improvement in the media facilities is an upstairs gallery which seats up to 15 journalists, and constitutes part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening this important institution of democracy.
ICTREVOLUTION • 31
The New Face of Local
Television and Radio ICTREVOLUTION • 32
The state-owned media machinery has been able to meet at least a 30 percent local or Caribbean content quota on most occasions. With recent improvements made to the three entities - ABS Television Channel 10, ABS Radio 620 AM and 90.5 FM and the Government Information Service (GIS) Channel 29, local programming has a new face. According to the Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor, Minister of State responsible for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, a number of local programmes and special features have been conceptualised within the
last few years. “These include the Good Morning Antigua Barbuda Show, the GIS Special Update, various other features aired during the evening news, and also the signing of the news for the hearing impaired,” he said. In recent times, the state-owned entity has had a much-needed facelift, and much of the old equipment, dating back to the sixties has been upgraded or replaced. “The newsroom, which was functioning under a dial-up Internet system, now has high speed broadband Internet service,” he explained.
With mounting concerns about the station’s ability to broadcast in the event of a disaster, US $40,000 worth of equipment was installed in the new Parliament building to increase capacity to broadcast live Parliamentary proceedings and act as a backup to assist in the continued broadcast by both radio and TV in the event of a major problem. What’s more, the purchase of a mobile broadcast unit has increased ABS Television’s capacity to carry more local live broadcasts.
ICTREVOLUTION • 33
Ongoing Training for ABS TV & Radio Staff Partnership with Ithaca College A number of young Antiguan journalists from the state-owned and private media were given the opportunity to pursue communications studies at the Roy H Park School of Communications at Ithaca College in New York. The programmes were supported financially by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications. Each scholarship
was valued at over US$8,500. “The Government has given an undertaking that we will provide opportunities for professional training and development to media workers in this country,” Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor said. “The annual summer training programme at Ithaca College is, in part, a fulfillment of this commitment. This administration has been exemplar in that regard. In the
last three-and-a-half years, several media workers have benefited from ongoing training both locally and overseas.” The scholarships were part of a partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Ithaca College. Shortly after assuming the portfolio in 2005, Dr Mansoor indicated that it was his intention to provide training opportunities at all levels (across media houses) and at ABS TV.
Journalists who have completed the Ithaca Summer Training Course 2005
Tasheka Lavann ABS News Anchor and Reporter, now pursuing studies in journalism at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. ICTREVOLUTION • 34
Shawn Thomas
Tracelyn Cornelius
ABS Reporter
Crusader Radio News Presenter & Editor, now Director of News and Current Affairs and News Anchor at ABS
2006
Elisa Graham ABS News Reporter
Cleopatra Grant
Cherilyn Beazer
ABS News Reporter, now a teacher and freelance reporter
2007
ABS News Anchor
Derris Henry ABS Video Editor
Phil George Crusador Radio Reporter now public relations oďŹƒcer, Ministry of Educations
These young journalists received training in media writing, media production and significant practical and technical exposure in several areas of TV and radio production. ICTREVOLUTION • 35
There is a gap between the wealth of expanding information and the quality of public health, partly because of the difficulty in dispensing this information to the public. To facilitate the flow of pertinent medical research to the public at large, we rely on the skills of medical journalists. So how many medical journalists do we have here in Antigua and Barbuda, or even in the Caribbean region? Your response to this question signals that we need more trained professionals in this area.
In spite of the difficulties and challenges faced by the media in disseminating public health information to the populace, ABS TV over the years, through programs such as Your Health 5PEBZ BOE -FU T 5BML IBT NBEF HSFBU strides in this area. Eldean Eudelle, Senior News Correspondent/News Anchor, is a thirdyear medical student on a government scholarship in one of Cuba’s top medical schools. He is pursuing studies towards
Darius Simon, another technician at ABS TV, has also benefitted from training opportunities facilitated by the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications. He’s seen here at the Japanese International Corporation Agency NHK Communications Training Institute completing a course in television engineering.
ICTREVOLUTION • 36
attaining a degree in general medicine. “ABS TV and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the region, can look forward to the emergence of the next Dr Sanjay Gupta in the near future,” Eldean says.
Senior Technician at ABS TV, Calvin L Jarvis completed training in New Technologies in Broadcasting at the Voice of America Training Facility, United States Telecommunications Institute in Washington DC in 2005. A year later, he again travelled to the USA to complete a course of study on Maintenance of Radio and TV transmitters at the Harris Broadcasting Systems Training Facility in Illinois. He returned to the Voice of America Training Facility to complete Radio and TV Studio Design in 2008. Jarvis said, “The training has helped me tremendously in terms of preparing for the transition into digital broadcasting.”
ABS TV Station Manager Trevor Parker along with Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor
Cheif Engineer Dennis Leandro
Director of News and Current Affairs, Tracelyn Cornelius completed a Television and Radio Technical Management Course at CR-TV in Beijing China.
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Broadcasting
Without Boundaries Another vision of the Minister of State responsible for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, the Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor, was realised with the purchase of an outside broadcast vehicle in July, 2007. The OB Van significantly increases the station’s ability to cover local stories and is an important tool for ensuring that ABS meets the Government’s policy of 30 percent minimum local and Caribbean content. ABS Television and Radio have successfully completed more than 100 live outside broadcasts for the year.
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HOW WE SAY
Good Morning In Antigua-Barbuda On December 5, 2005 Antiguans and Barbudans said Good Morning to a new, interactive programme on ABS Television. Aired weekdays from 6:30 am to 8:30 am, Good Morning Antigua Barbuda is broadcast simultaneously on ABS Radio, 620 AM, and 90.5 FM, accommodating people on the go and ensuring maximum viewership and listenership.
and Entertainment Friday, which concludes at 9 am, is a favourite among aspiring young artistes and a majority of youth throughout the islands. “More people, groups, organisations and churches have had access to ABS via Good Morning Antigua Barbuda than ever before,” says Dr Mansoor.
8JUI IPTUT JODMVEJOH %BWF -FTUFS 1BZOF #SVDFMMB Good Morning Antigua and Barbuda on location has Marsh, Eldean Eudelle, William Dorsett and Jermilla become quite popular, as viewers and listeners are taken Kirwan, almost three years later, Good Morning Antigua on an adventure, alongside the crew, as the programme is Barbuda is as much a part of residents’ daily routine as presented live from different locales. that colloquial morning cup of coffee. Now ranked among the leaders in the revolution of The brainchild of the Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor, interactive morning programming that has taken over the show continues to provide an excellent conduit for the country, the show’s morning segment features news, governmental and non-governmental organisations to sports, weather and traffic tips, providing much of the have unfettered access to state media to showcase or information the average person needs to get through the discuss plans, activities and programmes. day. In fact, the studios of ABS have been opened up to the Antiguan public, and calypsonians, artistes, fashion designers and small entrepreneurs are among the beneficiaries. Fridays are dedicated to promoting cultural art forms,
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The show has helped to significantly increase local and Caribbean content on ABS as well, and as the station strives to surpass its quota of 30 percent local programming, residents will continue to wake up to Good Morning Antigua and Barbuda.
(Above) Jermilla Kirwan and William Dorsett on the set of Good Morning Antigua Barbuda
Carlos Roberts is a trainee camera operator for the Good Morning Antigua Barbuda Show under the Youth Empowerment Programme
Loretta Pilgrim is the producer of Good Morning Antigua Barbuda
Jermilla Kirwan interviews a guest on the set of Good Morning Antigua Barbuda ICTREVOLUTION • 41
Enhancing Operational
Efficiency and Standards
By year end, all TV and radio staff will be sporting uniforms with the station’s logo. ID’s have already been issued to all staff members.
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More vehicles have been assigned to ABS than ever before, in an effort to optimize ABS’ role to provide services on a 24-hour basis. TV, Radio and the Government Information Service (GIS) managers, as well as the chief engineer, all have vehicles assigned to them, to facilitate crucial freedom of movement. GIS also has its own vehicle.
Hanley Otto is the Senior Driver Troy Gibson, a computer hardware technician at ABS TV, holds an Associate’s Degree in Network Engineering. He joined the ABS team on May 21, 2007. With assistance from technicians at the IT Center, Gibson was able to revamp the newsroom’s computer network. Attached to both ABS TV/Radio and GIS, his appointment forms part of the thrust to have more IT-trained personnel incorporated into the operations of ABS.
ABS TV and Radio are used as a platform for new skill acquisition by young Antiguans and Barbudans
Alciana Tittle is a trainee in the news department. ICTREVOLUTION • 43
To further improve the standards of the state-owned media entity, more than US $75,000 worth of equipment was purchased. The equipment includes an innovative editing system and new cameras for use with the Outside Broadcast Vehicle. According to Station Manager Trevor Parker, “the new additions are part of the thrust to modernize ABS and bring it up to par with what obtains around the region.”
New Tools
of the trade ICTREVOLUTION • 44
The Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN)
TECHNOLOGY
POWERED PROTECTION The recently implemented Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN) has strengthened the jaws of the nation’s security and emergency forces, allowing them to take a bigger bite out of crime. Citizens have been commending this collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety, and the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, which has already resulted in significant reductions in emergency response time. Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Senator the Hon Colin Derrick says, “The PSCN will radically boost the crime fighting capabilities of the nation’s security forces. A number of police officers have been trained to use the system, and calls will be handled with international standards.” Telecommunications Officer Clement Samuel heads a special team from the Telecommunications Division charged with implementing the PSCN. The programme is already being used by the police, fire brigade, defense force and emergency medical services. Both Samuel and Minister Derrick visited
Motorola’s headquarters in Chicago for a firsthand view of the new network’s capability. In turn, Motorola Project Manager Oswaldo Ganoza has come to Antigua quite a few times, and sent several engineers and technicians to the island. Dozens of police officers have been trained by members of the Motorola Inc in the appropriate use of the radios. Several district police stations have also been equipped with base stations. These include Police Headquarters, the Bolans Police Station, the Gray’s Farm Police Station and the St John’s Fire Station. To date more than 200 handheld radios have been distributed to officers within these agencies, and more than 20 vehicles are already equipped to function under the new system. Five ambulances now boast the new communications equipment as well. Vehicles used by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) and the Office of National Drug Control and .POFZ -BVOEFSJOH 1PMJDZ 0/%$1 are being outfitted. Emergency operators will be able
to record information in advanced database form, and the government will soon be using a Global Positioning System (GPS) to further increase efficiency. “If a call is made to 911, we envisage the operator to be able to look at multiple computers screen in real time and assess the type of response that is required,” explained Minister of State with responsibility for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor. Barbuda will also benefit from the installation of similar equipment, which will result in the island utilizing a comprehensive radio communications network. The installation of equipment in Barbuda represents a very substantial investment by the Government in the security and safety of Barbudans as well.
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Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Hon Colin Derrick, addresses officers of the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force during training sessions for the effective utilization of the digital handheld radios. To Minister Derrick’s right are Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor and Project Manager for the Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN) Clement Samuel. ICTREVOLUTION • 46
The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications collaborated with the Ministry of Justice & Public Safety to ensure that the first phase of the PSCN was completed in time for the 2008 Carnival season. One hundred and seventy handheld radios were made available to the police and fire brigade by mid-July. Above, Minister Mansoor is pleased that by the end of the first week of July, dozens of police officers were trained by members of Motorola Inc.
in the appropriate use of the radios.
High tech radios have been installed in police and defense force vehicles. Radios have also been outfitted in ambulances. The operations of multiple public safety agencies have been significantly enhanced as a result of the implementation of the PSCN.
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The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications has installed digital trunking radio equipment at strategic points around the nation to ensure maximum nation-wide coverage to the police, ďŹ re brigade, the emergency medical services (EMS) and other public saftey agencies.
PSCN Project Manager, Clement Samuel, overlooks the installation of antennae and related equipment by representatives of ICOMEL, subcontractors of Motorola Inc. who were on island to expedite the positioning of equipment. ICTREVOLUTION • 48
Building A Portal To The World www.antigua.gov.ag
The staff within the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications’ IT Centre has transformed the Government’s website, www.antigua.gov.ag, into a fundamental portal for journalists, residents, members of the diaspora, and potential visitors. -VYNPSF &EXBSET MFBET UIF UFBN PG talented technicians who ensure the
Government is electronically available on the Internet at all times. “The Ministry is placing a very significant focus on the professional development of its trained cadre of network and software engineers at the IT Center,” the Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor said. He explained that the opportunity for the professional improvement of
each person at the IT Center is pivotal to the IT Center’s capacity to offer e-government services. A variety of forms are available, as well as the full text of bills to be tabled in the House of Parliament. Journalists can also peruse speeches delivered during current events. There are significant plans to continue to expand the reach and functions of the website as well.
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“ICTFEST is simply number one.� Her Excellency Dame Louise Lake-Tack agrees wholeheartedly with the visitor to ICTFEST 2007. The Governor-General viewed the interactive exhibition as well as attended some of the technology competitions.
Flashback to
ICTFEST 2007 In the words of committee member Arlene Weste, “ICTFEST 2007 was just phenomenal!� With an estimated 8,000 people streaming through the Multi-Purpose Cultural Center over the two-day period, it’s not hard to understand why. The mid-September event showcased ICT solutions in a variety of sectors and demonstrated novel ways in which ICT’s could impact ordinary citizens. From a business perspective, there was information on how modernized systems could increase productivity. The stimulating interactive environment was spiced up even further by challenging skill competitions, including the popular computer assembly race, a favourite among younger participants. In what ICTFEST attendees described as the granddaddy of all competitions, Joel Ellis received top honours in the adult category, while Antigua State College student Ernest Aaron was the fastest in the under-19 section. Kendra Salmon won a special prize for being the fastest female in that division, while Desmond Roach of the Princess Margaret School won the under-14 competition. School-aged children were also
particularly drawn to the DMS Solutionssponsored speed typing competition. Rico Colbourne of the Antigua Grammar School emerged the winner, with Christ the King’s J’nai Spencer, and another (SBNNBSJBO (FPSHF -PPCZ GPMMPXJOH closely behind. Rummaging through millions of important bits of information can be quite arduous, and the web search competition, which challenged participants to ďŹ nd speciďŹ c pieces of information in the shortest possible time, demonstrated the technological prowess of quite a number of young people. The top three web searchers were Antigua Girls’ High School’s Sharma Mathew, Dirk Agard of the Seventh Day Adventist School, and $ISJTU UIF ,JOH )JHI T -JOEB 0[VNCB Another incentive to participate in the annual event was the grand prize draw, where names of participants who had visited ďŹ ve or more booths during the festival were randomly selected. The 2007 top winner was Terrence George, who received an HP computer and one year’s free Internet access. Talk about incentive! A year later, ICTFEST continues to build on a reputation of interactive excellence in 2008.
ICT PHOTO PANOR
ORAMA
Harnessing
the Power
of the Public Private People’s Partnership No man, or government entity for that matter, is an island. Welcoming assistance and partnerships from like-intentioned individuals and companies demonstrates, in fact, a significant show of strength. In the field of technology, the Government has been forging substantial partnerships with the nation’s major telecommunication providers, through what has been dubbed as the Public Private People’s Partnership (PPPP). These partnerships have brought about considerable benefits for the entire population, including, most recently, second-year students of the Antigua State College, who were loaned laptops and
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external memory drives and received a year’s worth of high-speed internet at their homes compliments Cable & Wireless. Prime Minister Hon.Baldwin Spencer has officially placed on record the Government’s “appreciation of the positive and sterling role that several private telecommunications providers and other businesses have played in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s ICT agenda. It is this Public-PrivatePeople’s Partnership that has resulted in Antigua and Barbuda being regarded as a regional center of information and communication technology excellence.”
He said this all important “PublicPrivate-People’s Partnership” would serve to underpin the advancement of the nation’s technological capability. The Government has continuously acknowledged and sought to strengthen the power and potential of this PPPP and encourages even greater participation from the public sector in the future.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Dr Edmond Mansoor with top executives (clockwise) Digicel - Darren Derrick, Cable & Wireless – Davidson Charles, APUA PCS – Allan Williams and ACT - Salomon Doumith.
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Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon Bertrand Joseph speaking at the launch of the “Technology for Institutes of Higher Education,” where over 200 computers are on loan to a select group of year II students at the Antigua State College (compliments the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications). Each student who is the beneficiary of one of these laptops is also receiving highspeed Internet at their homes (compliments Cable & Wireless).
The “Technology for Institutes of Higher Education” model has seen Year II students enrolled in the Antigua State College’s A’ level Department and Business Programme benefit from a laptop on loan initiative. Each student will also receive free high speed Internet access at the Antigua State College as well as one year of high speed Internet at their respective homes. Cable and Wireless has partnered with the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications to provide the Internet access at the College as well as the students’ homes. ICTREVOLUTION • 57
Prime Minister, Hon. Baldwin Spencer presents Darren Derrick, Digicel’s General Manager for the Northern OECS, with a plaque in recognition of Digicel’s role in the development of the ICT sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor discusses with Cable & Wireless’ Chief Executive, Davidson Charles, the impending deployment of Third Generation (3G) services by Cable & Wireless in Antigua and Barbuda.
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2 0 8 ICTFEST COMMITTEE
Standing (L to R) Beverly Lawrence, Asha Christian, Tara Simmons, Hollie Sebastian, Sandra Tucker, Hon Dr Edmond Mansoor, Lucinda Lake, Anne Jonas, Tracelyn Cornelius, Beverly Laviscount, Seated (L to R) Jeannette Mason, Arlene Weste, Eibur Spencer (chairperson), Michele Michael
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