Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology, Phillip Paulwell presented Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke with a state-of-the-art IBM lap top computer valued at US$1,700.

Minister Paulwell, who made the presentation at King’s House on May 4 said that the gift was significant as the Ministry was in the process of launching an education programme to encourage more Jamaicans to save to acquire a computer.

He said that owning a computer could open doors of opportunities, adding that one such prospect was conducting business more efficiently through the click of a mouse.

“As the government seeks to implement its e-government project, many persons will be able to stay in their office and do all their businesses. You will be able to process your driver’s licence, pay your income tax without having to join a line,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Ministry would also be embarking on a public education programme in the post offices to popularise the use of the technology. He said that a number of computers have already been deployed to the post offices.

The Ministry, he said, would also be launching an e-learning project in schools and will be continuing with its library programme.
In his response, Sir Howard said, “I will like to express my thanks to you and the government for what you are doing for the country. We have improved in science and we are improving in technology and I am so happy to know that you are going to invade every school”.

He further pointed out, “I am particularly grateful for this but even more grateful for the fact that all of Jamaica will be the beneficiaries of your wisdom, your knowledge and your gifts”.

EduCenters Information Services Limited, a local company specializing in computer training, website development and consultant service donated the computer. The computer is equipped with 250 megabytes of random access memory (RAM); 40 gigabytes of disk space and a DVD/ CD drive. Meanwhile, Emoquad Internet Services will also provide Sir Howard with life long Internet access.