Caribarena Antigua The Best Caribbean News Portal

**tenman** » 2010-08-27 13:29

Antigua, I recall it because I was in attendance. The problem I have with such events is what happens after. It hurts to know that technology exists to end a lot of the waste that occurs in this country and when you go to a government office and have to wonder if we are not back in an era before things like computers were invented. I met and talked with Eban a few times and know he had a lot of plans.The reality is people vote not computers, so politicians if they have to choose between making a department efficient which may result in job loss, they will choose to keep the status quo. There are also persons in those departments who even if their jobs are not threatened will still feel threatened and go out of their way to keep things the same.

**Antigua** » 2010-08-27 12:52

ITC Fest started uNder the ALP Government and it was introduced by Eban Thomas who I must say did a heck of a job in holding that conference. What Mr Mansoor is trying to do will never and is not coming close to the First and Only ITC FEST. Mr. Thomas invested time and effort and he had a competent staff backing him thats why ICT FEST was so well put together.

**Dig It** » 2010-08-22 03:30

Tenman, thanks for the clarification! When I first saw this article, I knew the ALP did a fest like this before. However, like you, I was hesitant to write anything because of the "labeling." If you remembered, recently, I was reprimanded by UPP supporters for asking you if the lighting project had started under the ALP? I learned my lessons then, so I am avoiding similar situations! Yet, I am surprise that the very same blogger, who was the first to scold me, is in the same situation! I could imagine his face turning blue when you told him the ALP started TechFest in 2001. Now, he is caught in a corner, he's trying to evade the issue. I am sure he will not jump to conclusions next time! I must say his "dignified" PM looks very good in this picture!

**Cool Ruler** » 2010-08-21 14:01

Ok looking at it from that angle I have to agree with you somewhat. Imagine how efficient it would be and how easy it would be for persons to pay their bills if we had what you mentioned in place however I suspect that this activity is to highlight the latest technology as well as getting youngsters more interesting in it and also provide an avenue for them to display their skills. I thought that Edmond was moving government operations into the twenty first century with technology. If since 2001 we have been having these kind of tech fair and we cannot get governments operations into the 21st century that is very sad indeed. I dear say it is not enough to provide internet access or give away laptops, I don’t think this could be too cost prohibitive.

**tenman** » 2010-08-21 11:40

Cool Ruler look how easy it is for you to pay important bills in the US because of technology. I recall being able to use my bank of America account and do bill payments. No need to stand inline anywhere. Click and click and I am done. The bank did not even want me to come inside and make a deposit just drop the money in the bin. You try that here and they need more than 2 days to clear it and go as far an applying a fee for using their online features (viewing your account balance online). Once went to my bank with this complaint and they suggesting I could do a standing order which as I recall will cost me 30 ec dollars per transaction.

**tenman** » 2010-08-21 11:19

Prime Minister Lester Bird opens TechFest 2001

Prime Minister, Lester Bird, delivered the opening address to the first ever Technology Festival (TechFest 2001) which opened at the Royal Antiguan Resort and Tennis Club on Monday.

TechFe st 2001 was the first of its kind to be held in the Caribbean and attracted companies such as Oracle, IBM, Cable and Wireless among others. Microsoft launched Windows XP, their newest and most powerful operating system for the first time in the Caribbean.

Pri me Minister Bird, who has responsibility for the development of informatics within CARICOM, created the International Technology Centre to provide the needed thrust to push Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean into the international technological arena. (taken from ISSUE NO.59 November 2001, AB newsletter)

**tenman** » 2010-08-21 11:15

Cool Ruler, try going to any government office to pay a bill and then tell me we are using technology. Just a few days ago I went to pay my prop tax bill and was told instead of going straight to the cashier who had no system, I would have to go to the prop tax department and get the bill, bring it to her and pay her. They also do not accept credit cards at most of those places. Did you even hear how public works uses a book as a time clock system (this was revealed during a court case). Persons would simply have their friends sign in for them or simply sign in the next day for prior days.

As far as for when this thing started, I know I attended it when the labor party was in office and Eban Thomas was in charge of governments IT (will research a definite date for you with proper url's so you do not have to take my word for it)

**Cool Ruler** » 2010-08-21 10:40

Tenman why do you think this is a waste of time? What year was this started under the ALP? I could be wrong but the first time I heard of this was when Mansur was became minister of telecommunicati ons. I cannot locate any reference to an ICT fest in Antigua before 2004. Just curious!

**tenman** » 2010-08-21 09:32

Isabela, at the risk of being called a bird-ite this show started under the alp. As someone who works in the IT industry, I must tell you speaking for myself, I find it a waste of time.

**Isabela** » 2010-08-21 09:18

How come nobody comments about these good things happening under the UPP administration? ??? It's not all that negative, is it ?????

Antiguan overseas

Title	Answers
WHICH ONE OF THE BIRD IS DEAD	0
How do you keep people safe and seen on your roads at night?	0
what kind of plants do giant african snails affect?	0
wat are the names of plant pests in antigua?	0
how can i get in touch with musicians to start a new touring reggae band in antigua	2

Title	Answers	Hits
Was there a police report filed by Royal Caribbean Vision of the seas for the man, wife and 11 yr old child removed from the ship on December 20th, 2012 ? He allegedly attacked a man with a service dog on the ship and was set on the dock that day with hi	0	29002
PWD in shambles, what is the purpose of their position? I'm tired of these people in the dept who jsut come eac day to make you feel uncomfortable because of their miserable lives. someone needs to look into this.	0	14599
What is the world's largest airline?	2	5310
What is the amount ZDK owes for electricity ?	1	3654
any audio or video of Minister Farrakhan speech at the Multi-purpose Centre?	1	3570

10 Comments In This Article

Add comment

Follow us on Facebook

Popular Questions

Ask Your Question

Spotlight on Environment

Tech News

Most Read This Month In Tech

Search Directory

Directory Listings

App

CARIBARENA