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**Ragweed** » 2010-10-26 06:08

Books did not render schools useless, they enhanced them.
Internet can not render libraries useless.
Even with the Internet and the ability we have to study so much on our own, universities and schools still exist. Books are still needed.
TV has not forced out radio. Internet still has not forced out radio.

**Nads** » 2010-10-26 04:12

Shouldn't it be "different from", not "different than"?

**tenman** » 2010-10-25 15:52

Skyewill today I listened to a repeat of an interview done with Gwen Tongue, during the interview Aunty Gwen asked the reporter, an Antiguan, if she knew who Tim Hector was, the reporter replied no. Skyewill something is radically wrong with this place. Where are the books to tell us of Antigua and the Caribbean? Skyewill I am a software developer so you need not argue with me about the importance of a computer. However there is a lot of valuable information that can only be reached via access to online databases which are not free. One of the reasons why our students fail maths is they do not understand the questions. The ability to read and comprehend is fundamental to learning and a computer is not needed for that. You are right that we need to run but running blind is not the way and I know we both agree on that. Let me know of any financial support you guys need for any of these endeavors.
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**Skyewill** » 2010-10-25 13:57

They talk about Caricom, CSME and OECS, the example of an online library with it's base in Antigua could reap the benefits of CSME, we don't have raw materials, but we do have intellectual properties.
I once researched a treaty between Acting Premier Sir Lionel Hurst between Antigua and the United States that would allow American private organizations to donate money for learning in Antigua. All these treaties and trade agreements. For what? After the red carpet event and the $3000 per plate dinner what we got to show. The them if they want to trade with us build our schools and education system. Focus on a need and complete it to excellence.

**Skyewill** » 2010-10-25 13:38

I sent over 1000 books to Antigua early this year and I read at least 2 books per month, sometimes more. Doing this for over 40 years. i discovered the more I know the less I know. So I rely on God's good grace

**Ragweed** » 2010-10-25 13:06

I agree with Dr. Simon, where are the college student's voices ?
On the surface it may seem that you both have differing views but I think that in reality the underlying message that I get is the same.
Both the Internet and Books can compliment each other in development, but they have to be used appropriately.

**Dr. J Simon** » 2010-10-25 11:38

I was a bit busy this afternoon so I had to leave something quickly and go. But I like the discussion that both articles have generated, which is thanks to the Internet.Howeve r based on what the bloggers may say about themselves I realize that the people who make comments on opinion articles are generally not within the most popular age group of people who use internet in this country, that is teens and young adults.So the force of discussions that may drive change in this country is not coming from a radical youth population. Hence here i**hink a foundation is lacking. I want to see our young people use the net to have good clean fun, but I want also to see them use it to its fullest potential ( as I know a minority is doing ).
I used to go to libraries in Cuba and see the fine book exibitions that were put on there and spark my interest in Latin American culture and History, sports etc. I want to see our national library become a powerful centre to spark discussion and new ideas and then let's trade them online.
( by the way in my last post I realize I misspelt GANDHI, hope I did not mislead any student).

**Morris** » 2010-10-25 09:23

Thanks for the offer and I sure do not mind sharing my insights.

**Skyewill** » 2010-10-25 08:30

Thank morris, Jerry, my way of helping & tenman. Tenman its not a matter of walking before we learn to fly. We are behind and we have to get up and run. If the students is not guided the internet will be usless. The problem will be is that the government will get someone who say they know but don't to direct this important venture and they will fail and the good internet can do will not be realized. Tenman, I ma telling you without the internet Antigua will fail. in this time of technology it's a must. not way around it. i am sure. jerry you are correct books is very important. we should do something together with morris to help the Mental Home.

**tenman** » 2010-10-25 06:14

As stated before Dr. Simon is correct lets learn to walk first before we go and try to become pilots. I have even heard it said that his accessment can also be used in analyzing the West Indies Cricket team. Though they are talented they have no knowledge of the fundamentals and will therefore always be beaten.

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**My way of helping** » 2010-10-25 05:08

not saying internet is not a good and awesome tool, just saying should it be priority over library or priority over food?

However, Mr Williams very informative peace and i support you that the internet is of importance, keep writing.

**Dr. J Simon** » 2010-10-25 05:01

First let me say great article ( love the crital analysis). But I am sure you noticed in my article I even mentioned some advantages of the Internet. However it was not an article of the internet vs. books per se ( the caribarena VS picture was not my message). It was more about building a foundation. I am sure you saw the recent poor literacy rates of A 'n' B, even though we have such a high internet usage index. The reality is, with all this wide internet accessibility and no culture of learning the internet instead of being a force of great positive change becomes little more than a dangerous toy.
Recently I went to a high school Bio Club meeting and although all these students had access to the Internet, none ( first to fifth formers, about 35 students) knew who Mahatma Ghandi was. I am sure there are thousands of webpages about Ghandi, but what are the majority of our youths using the internet to do.
If we are going to build a culture of learning the internet has to play a great role, however I still believe the foundation of that culture is books. If not, the internet becomes another one of the wasted tools that we find around Antigua.

**Skyewill** » 2010-10-25 00:42

Don't get me wrong Jerry is on point, and I am not opposing him. We need books and all the fluff about free internet is just fluff, Digecell, should know better. Their offer would be better suited for the Police/Fire Department, Boys Training School, The Mental Home, A Magnet High School, Cause we need a few) schools around the island or that sort of thing. On the issue of tourism, I can see this vision where Antigua use the internet to turn it around. You would need people to work because of the amount of people would flood to Antigua, Everybody would have money. The island is only 108 and about 80,000 people so what's the problem? You take 4 organizations, 1. Tourism, 2. APUA, 3. Customs, 4. Education. 5 Police These 5 alone if focused on will turn the island around. In times of crisis you must focus and no one in ANU is focusing. Too many court cases, too much politricks. I love the idea of a youth movement, it's their time.

**Dessalines** » 2010-10-25 00:27

Well articulated points M. Williams. Its is becoming more evident that our problem here in Antigua is not the technical know how but the VISION for the future. Dr. Simon is no doubt a learned and intelligent man, however I would trade not trade one uneducated visionary any day for 10 'doctors' with respect to charting Antigua's future. By your fruits you shall be known.

**Morris** » 2010-10-24 22:43

Great article Skyewill!!! You sure did take the time to clarify the important features of the Internet and the dangers if not used correctly. I await Dr. Simon's response to your article.

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