Beausejour, Carriacou, March 15, 2014- A new milestone in technology has been achieved by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs with the recent launch of what is known as an "ICT Bridge''.
One of the benefits of the ICT Bridge is allowing residents of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, including businessmen and women, to access video conferencing facilities at the Carriacou Multipurpose Centre.
The launch of the ICT Bridge is part of a six-year Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED), which commenced in 2012.
The project is funded by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), with in-kind contributions from Caribbean and Commonwealth countries. The Grenada Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) is also a major stakeholder in the project.
The total project value is approximately Canadian $23 million. It reports that it is also looking at the development of project ideas, specifically to benefit Petite Martinique.
The ICT Bridge launch was attended by CARILED, DFATD and GIDC officials, as well as public service representatives of the Grenada Government that applauded the project.
Among them were Bernadette Lendore-Sylvester, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Local Government; Gertrude Niles, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs; Local Economic Development Officer Jeffrey Izzaak and Information Technology Manager, Davon Baker.
In remarks at the launching ceremony, DFATD's Lisa Moreau said the Government of Canada is proud of the shared values and the strong history and friendship in Caribbean/Canada relations.
The ICT Bridge, she said, offers a set of complementary tools for achieving shared development objectives and provides a great opportunity to marry support for local private sector development.
Felix Finsterre, CARILED's OECS Sub Regional Director, added that telemedicine is one of the businesses opportunities that could be explored by utilizing the ICT Bridge.
Qwesi Roberts, GIDC's Business Development Officer, said the ICT Bridge will not only strengthen the capacity of small and medium-sized businesses in Carriacou and Petite Martinique, but he also expects to see the opening of new business opportunities in the twin-isle parish.
