Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society

TTCS invited to Focus Group Discussion on Trinidad & Tobago ICT Strategy "Fastforward II"

The Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society (TTCS) has been invited by the Ministry Of Public Administration of Trinidad and Tobago to a focus group discussion on August 7 2010 regarding Fastforward II, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago's National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy.

From the letter of invitation :

"The Ministry of Public Administration, in collaboration with the National ICT Company Limited (iGovTT) and the Infocomm Development Authority International (IDA-i) of Singapore, has embarked upon a ICT master planning exercise towards the drafting of the second iteration of fastforward. Whereas fastforward I (2003-2008) focused primarily on "Connectivity" and sought to bridge the digital divide by increasing the accessibility and affordability of ICTs to all citizens irrespective of economic status and location. Fastforward II will concentrate more on ICT "usage and uptake" in order to give direction to Trinidad and Tobago's digital development for the period 2010 to 2014.....

....Discussions will surround key initiatives being proposed under fastforward II including, but not limited to :

1. Building an e-Ready Generation through ICT Enriched Learning
2. Creating and Promoting Local Digital Content
3. Providing Accessible and Affordable ICT Services for Digital Inclusion
4. Promoting Media Literacy and Online Protection."

The Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society (TTCS) will be having a pizzalime on Thursday August 5 2010 from 6pm to 9pm at Pizza Hut, Roxy Roundabout to discuss Fastforward II.

Anyone interested in attending are welcome to attend. A contribution of $30 towards the food bill is expected.

TTCS submission to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Laptops for SEA Students programme

The Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society has been considering the laptops-for-children program that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is proposing to implement. While the TTCS recognises the importance of ICT in education, there are a number of questions that have been put forward by its members. These questions cover many of the issues concerning the specifications of the laptops as well as the mechanisms by which such laptops will be obtained and deployed and the role they play in the Education system of Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTCS has developed a document detailing these questions and has been given the opportunity to submit it to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. This document was submitted on 9th June 2010, to Mr. Siewdath Persad, an advisor to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago who has forwarded it to the Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTCS is still awaiting a response to this document and is willing to provide further clarification and recommendations for this project. A link to the document can be found here.