www.antigua.gov.ag
The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology is committed to: • Building an Intelligent Nation • Promoting Computer Literacy • Bridging the Digital Divide • Connecting Antigua and Barbuda to the World • Positioning Antigua & Barbuda as a cutting edge technology hot spot.
Caribbean Telecommunications Union www.ctu.int
www.connectantiguabarbudainitiative.gov.ag
www.telecom.gov.ag
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Message from the Honourable Prime Minister The past five years has brought an unprecedented increase in access to ICTs in Antigua and Barbuda. The growth has been driven primarily by a highly successful Government ICT plan, developed by a visionary ICT Minister, and by the rapid expansion in wireless technologies. My Government recognizes that knowledge-based activities have become increasingly important. It is this recognition that has prompted Government to establish Community Computer Access Centers island-wide to accelerate knowledge transfer. On a daily basis, hundreds of citizens and residents acquire new skills from these Centers, thereby making them better and more competitive citizens.
Hon. Baldwin Spencer Prime Minister
ICTs are also creating and sustaining new opportunities for economic development both in the public and private sectors. My Government has created scores of new and sustainable ICT jobs in Government. ICT jobs have also been created in the private sector. An accelerated rate of knowledge transfer coupled with technological diffusion have helped Antigua and Barbuda amplify its competitive advantage as a fast learning economy.
My Government has made substantial investments in equipping our young people with the skills and competence necessary for them to successfully meet the challenges of the 21st century. These investments have enabled us to “Build Tomorrow’s Antigua Today”. Once again, I commend Honourable Dr. Edmond Mansoor and his team for their pioneering work in the transformation of Antigua and Barbuda into a first-rate ICT capital.
Message from the Honourable Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister Broadband technology provides economic opportunity. Affordable access to broadband technology provides even greater economic opportunity. Broadband is potentially a passport from developing country status to developed country status. Undoubtedly, broadband increases productivity and contributes directly to economic growth. It is, therefore, without question whatsoever that successful National development strategies must have at their epicenter “broadband”. The Government has long recognized that broadband is the new “currency” of tomorrow’s Antigua. That is why TODAY, the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science & Technology is integrating broadband into Government processes and into business processes.
Hon. Dr. Edmond A. Mansoor Minister of State Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science & Technology
High-speed Internet connections provide a ready access to a wide range of services including video, voice, data, music, radio, music and publishing. Indeed, broadband networks are key to the ongoing transformation of the ICT sector through convergence of telecommunications, media and computing.
The World Bank’s 2009 report “Information and Communications for Development: Extending Reach and Increasing Impact“ highlights an econometrics analysis of 120 countries where“ for every 10-percentage-point increase in the penetration of broadband services, there is an increase in economic growth of 1.3 percentage points”. In Antigua, the potential for broadband to increase economic growth is even higher! The Government fully accepts that broadband networks have the potential to significantly contribute to economic development. In this regard, the Ministry remains resolute in ensuring that broadband, which has considerable economic impact at all levels of individuals, firms and communities, builds tomorrow’s Antigua today.
ICTfest 2009 •
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Message from the CTU Secretary General The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) has embarked on an exciting twenty-country Caribbean ICT Roadshow journey to raise awareness of the need for innovative approaches for the effective application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in every sphere of endeavour. The Caribbean ICT Roadshow was officially launched on 28th July, 2009 in Grenada with the overarching theme: Harnessing the power of Innovation: the engine for ICT-enabled development. In delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Tillman Thomas noted the challenges facing the region and the opportunities ICT present but stressed that innovation was a significant factor in realizing the full benefits of ICT.
Bernadette Lewis
Secretary General, Caribbean Telecommunications Union
The Roadshow’s first port of call was the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. From 24th to 27th August, 2009 the Roadshow impressed on the citizens of that country that ICTs were for everyone, and they were encouraged to make an effective use of ICT tools.
Antigua and Barbuda, the second stop for the ICT Roadshow, is promising to be an exciting destination, having a programme of customised interactive presentations, technology demonstrations, exhibitions and youth-focused activities. The Roadshow will also will feature local ICT Innovators. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made tremendous strides in the development and use of ICT in many sectors of the national community. The ICT Roadshow will complement the Government’s ICT initiatives by raising awareness of the role of ICT in economic and social transformation and fostering a spirit of innovation in the development of ICT-based practical solutions. The Antigua and Barbuda ICT Roadshow will take place on 16th and 17th September, 2009. The programme will reach out to the public and private sectors, civil society and academia. There is a forum for every citizen who wants to know about ICT and how they could benefit from them. I encourage every citizen of Antigua and Barbuda to visit the ICT Roadshow. I look forward to seeing you there.
Antigua Component Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Center Perry Bay, St. John’s, Antigua
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Wednesday, 16th & Thusday, 17th September, 2009 9:00 am - 9:00 pm www.ictfest2009.ag • ICTfest 2009
ICTFEST 2009 COMMITTEE
Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor Eibur Spencer Tara Simmons Clement Samuel Beverly Laviscount Nissa Knowles Michele Michael Asha Christian Wendy Pantor Elmon Benjamin Wendy Derrick Luxmore Edwards Pat Dore Terry Ephraim Kay Russell-Crump Arthur Bird Sandra Tucker Velva Willett
Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister and Physician Research Officer and Co-chairperson ICTFEST 2009 Project Administrator and Co-chairperson ICTFEST 2009 Telecommunications Officer and Attorney-at-Law Director, Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative (CABI) Telecommunications Engineer Operations Supervisor, Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative (CABI) Education Max Advantage and Special Projects Coordinator, Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative Office Manager, Ministry Headquarters Technical Supervisor, Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative (CABI) Project Manager Director, Information Technology Center Operations Supervisor, Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN) e-Commerce Development Coordinator Administrative Assistant, Ministry Headquarters Engineer, Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN) Junior Database Administrator Zone Coordinator, Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative (CABI)
The Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications, Science and Technology continues to lead the Government’s charge to bring about a genuine revolution in our twin island Nation. Part of this revolution is the ICTFEST. Top personnel in the Ministry constitute the core of the ICTFEST Committee. The cumulative experience of these persons has contributed immensely to the success of ICTFEST 2009 and to the successful positioning of Antigua and Barbuda as the ICT Capital of the Caribbean.
ICTfest 2009 •
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ICTFEST Flashbacks
ICTFEST is the region’s premier technology showcase, featuring an interactive exhibition, technology competitions and ICT seminars. ICTFEST is the brainchild of Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor and is just one of the initiatives that has made Antigua the ‘ICT Capital of the Caribbean’.
Technology competitions are a major feature of ICTFEST. These include the web search competitions and the computer assembly races. Students from around the island compete head on in the technology competitions. The record in the computer assembly race is held by Knute James, who is pictured above with Her Excellency, Governor–General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, receiving a fully-loaded desktop computer as his main prize. Knute is now pursuing a degree in computer science at the North China Electric Power University under the Government’s Silver Jubilee Scholarship Program.
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• ICTfest 2009
Antigua & Barbuda Where Land & Sea Make Beauty And Where All Citizens & Residents Are Benefiting From New Technologies
In December, 2006, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in partnership with Digicel and Antigua Computer Technology (ACT) Limited, successfully landed a new fibre optic cable system. It is provisioned to provide ten (10) gigabits of capacity and will meet all of the Nation’s fibre capacity until the year 2030.
“The undersea fibre optic cable system has an enormous potential to increase connectivity and bring numerous economic benefits to the Nation”. That’s according to Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Edmond A. Mansoor. Antigua and Barbuda is already benefitting from cheaper Internet rates, significant reductions in the cost of international/overseas calls and first class broadband capacity.
A 2009 World Bank report has said that access to affordable high-speed Internet and mobile phone service is “key to economic growth and job creation in developing countries”. The report found that for every 10-percentage-point increase in high-speed Internet connections, there is an increase in economic growth of 1.3 percentage points. ICTfest 2009 •
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Connect
Antigua & Barbuda Initiative www.connectantiguabarbudainitiative.gov.ag
A major component of the Connect Antigua and Barbuda Initiative is the Community Computer Access Centers (CACs) and Mobile IT Classrooms. One hundred and thirty seven (137) classes are held on a weekly basis in
eighteen (18) different Community Computer Access Centers and on the five (5) Mobile IT Classrooms. Classes are supervised by trained Community Technology Officers (CTOs). Each CAC is fitted out with: • High-speed computers and a shared printer • High-speed Internet via wireless broadband technology • Multiple security features including electronic surveillance.
These two young students are helping to build tomorrow’s Antigua TODAY by acquiring life-changing information technology (IT) skills using a combination of computerized technology and broadband on the award-winning Mobile IT Classrooms.
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• ICTfest 2009
One hundred and thirty seven (137) classes are held on a weekly basis in eighteen (18) different Community Computer Access Centers and on the five (5) Mobile IT Classrooms. Classes are supervised by trained Community Technology Officers (CTOs).
Primary Schools Empowerment Centers Villa Lower Ottos Five Islands Urlings Greenbay All Saints Jennings Gunthorpes Liberta National Technical Training Center Sea View Farm Yorks Potters Lower Gambles Cobbs Cross Newfield Holy Trinity Old Road
Number of classes facilitated at primary schools and empowerment centers on a weekly basis Type of Classroom Mobile Unit Mobile Unit Mobile Unit Mobile Unit T.O.R. Memorial CAC CAC CAC CAC CAC Total
Time of Class Day Day Day Evening Day Day Evening Day Evening Evening
Type of Class Public Primary School- IT Classes After Class - Computer Classes Private School - Computer Classes Introduction to Computers Private School - Computer Classes Public Schools - Computer Classes Introduction to Computers Empowerment Centers Advanced Intro. Intermediate Classes
No. of Classes 33 6 3 1 3 33 34 16 2 6 137
ICTfest 2009 •
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Community Computer Access Centers
Antiguans and Barbudans, young and old alike, are connected to the super information highway.
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• ICTfest 2009
Technology for Institutes of Higher Education
Prime Minister, Hon. Baldwin Spencer presents a fully loaded laptop to a student enrolled in the Business Department at the Antigua State College.
In 2008, under the “Institutes for Higher Education” component of the CONNECT ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INITIATIVE, students and faculty at the Antigua State College were loaned laptops. A free high-speed Internet hotspot was created at the main college campus at Golden Grove and at the National Technical Training Center on Nugent Avenue. For the 2009-2010 academic year, laptops on loan will be made available to students and faculty at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) and the Antigua & Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE).
ICTfest 2009 •
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Public Safety Communications Network
COMPONENTS OF PSCN •
Digital Radio Trunking System
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E911 Response Center
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Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
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Closed Circuit TV Surveillance
The Public Safety Communications Network (PSCN) is a multi-million dollar, digital technology powered, public safety platform being utilized by the Police, Fire Brigade, Defense Force, Coast Guard, Office of National Drug Control and Money Laundering Policy (ONDCP), National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Mt. St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) and the Prison. Over three hundred and thirty (330) portable and base station radios are being used by police men and women, at police precincts and in public safety agency vehicles. A modern emergency 911 center handles all emergency calls using a state of the art digital platform. Trained operators, including Police personnel who have been seconded to work at the PSCN, process 911 calls and assist public safety agencies in responding to genuine 911 calls.
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• ICTfest 2009
The Face of Local Television
Advances at ABS TV and Radio • State of the art outside broadcast vehicle • Enlarged on-air studio (TV) • Training for technicians in Japan, Washington and Illinois in television engineering • Modernised news room and sports room • Capacity for live TV and radio broadcasts to be beamed around the world • Ongoing training for journalists in media writing and media production • Uniformed security personnel on premises • New digital cameras for studio use and for covering outside studio broadcasts • IT upgrades including broadband Internet and digital video editing suites
• New radio and TV studios for broadcasting Parliamentary proceedings • ABS TV/Radio on the Internet 24 hours daily • Additional microwave dishes to facilitate live broadcasts • Up-graded on-air radio studios and radio production studios • Refurbished lunchroom and restroom facilities • Hundreds of live TV and radio broadcasts yearly including outside studio broadcasts of Good Morning Antigua/Barbuda, Carnival, Sailing Week, Caribana, Independence Homecoming, Special Events, Town Hall Meetings, etc. • Extensive local and Caribbean content programming ICTfest 2009 •
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Building Tomorrow’s Antigua Today • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Landing of New Fibre Optic Cable System Database Development of ICT indicators First in the Caribbean to Test and Deploy WiMax technology Public Safety Communications Network Best ICTFEST in the Region Decreased Telecommunications Costs – 50% drop in international dial rates and 300% drop in Internet access rates (i.e. three (3) times faster speed at the same cost) Quantified the Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) Traffic Entering and Exiting the Nation Connect Antigua & Barbuda Initiative ICT Business & Residential User Survey Winner of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organisations (CANTO) 2008 Connect the Caribbean Project of the Year Regional Leader in ICTs and Telecommunications Efficient Spectrum Management Assignment Plan and Allocation Introduction of Cellular Messaging Alert System ICT Revolution Public-Private-Peoples’ Partnership Creating Opportunities for Micro and Medium Sized Businesses Scholarships to attend International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World Youth Forum Multi-Lingual Studies Program Technology for the Physically, Visually and Otherwise Challenged Wireless and Wired Internet in Parliament Websites for Major Government Departments Maintenance of Major Networks including the Immigration Management Control System (IMCS) and Landfolio (digital cadastral of Antigua) Government e-mail e-Commerce Development e-Visa System e-Learning Building a People-Centered Information Society Developing an Inclusive and Prosperous Telecommunications Age
• ICTfest 2009
ICTfest 2009 •
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Proud Sponsors of ICTFEST 2009