As the Government continues to work to ensure that the gaps between the hinterland, riverine areas and coastland are bridged, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, today, announced that for the first time in the village’s history, internet connectivity will be available within two weeks at Lower Bonasika.

The Minister officially commissioned a computer laboratory for the students at the Lower Bonasika Primary School, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three).

Addressing regional officials, residents, teachers and students, Minister Harmon noted that the computer laboratory, which is funded by the Region Three Private Sector Association (R3PSA), will assist and complement Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that citizens are able to access information and communication technology regardless of which part of the country are from.

“The promotion of science and information and communication technology within our education sector is a key pillar of our government’s development agenda,” he said.

Minister Harmon noted that President Granger, since his assumption to office, has been placing emphasis on bridging gaps, particularly in the delivery of education services nationwide.

This led to the establishment of the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST), from which 13 schools were able to benefit from $1million each to upgrade and boost their laboratories.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Mr. Denis Jaikaran, in his remarks, said that it is a happy day for the community as he noted that residents can see that development is taking place in their communities, no matter their geographic location.

However, Mr. Jaikaran noted that in any project that is undertaken by any agency, whether governmental or non-government, the beneficiaries have an equal and corresponding duty as it relates to the maintenance and sustenance of these projects and must, therefore, play their part.

President of the R3PSA, Mr. Radesh Rameshwar, in his remarks, said that the need for the computer laboratory was identified during the Easter holidays when the organisation visited the community for its kite distribution exercise. He too urged the residents to ensure that they utilise care now that the commitment has been realised.

Headmaster of the school, Mr. Kapil Ramsamooj, said that laboratory will go a long way in assisting the students of the school.

“These computers will serve all the levels of the school including the nursery, primary and secondary departments.  This will help the students of the school to be computer literate and so we thank you for this contribution. We will make full use of it and you can be assured that we will take good care,” he said. (Extracted and modified from the Ministry of the Presidency)