Computers from Digicel

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Parent Category: Feb 2012

Category: Week end Feb 18th, 2012

Published on Monday, 20 February 2012 20:05

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Digicel Grenada has answered the call made by the Tillman Thomas-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government to make a valuable contribution toward the National Youth Development Centre at Morne Rouge, St. George’s.

The company presented last week Wednesday 22 Dell flat screen energy-saving desktop computers to the Centre in a ceremony attended by Sports Minister, Patrick Simmons. In addressing the brief ceremony, Digicel’s Country Manager, Patricia Maher recalled that Minister Simmons held a conversation with her about seven months ago in which he made a request for her to visit the facility.

She said that during the visit, she observed that the resource department was well furnished with an air condition unit and numerous computer desks but did not have any computers. According to Maher, Digicel moved into high gear and started to raise funds to purchase computers to equip the facility.

She said that the computers were eventually purchased and government ensured that they were exempted from Customs duties including the Value Added Tax (VAT). She spoke of being happy that Digicel was able to honour its commitment to the Centre knowing that young people will be able to learn about computers and to be able to better develop themselves.

“Digicel welcomes any opportunity to assist the young people of this nation,” Maher said, adding that, “the future of this county is in the hands of the youth and we are more than pleased to be of assistance in providing opportunities at this time.”

Public Relations Officer for Digicel OECS, Jerry George, who also attended the handing over ceremony pointed out that it is key for young people to understand the importance of computers. George however warned about putting limits on the use of the systems by those who will be supervising the young users.

He said that while supervisors have to guard against the use of the systems for negatives such as porn watching, they should be allowed to explore the systems and express themselves. Minister Simmons expressed his gratitude to Digicel for its timely and speedy response and delivery of the computers.

The computers are valued at $30,000.00 and will be used by young people free of cost.

The Ministry of Sports will be responsible for facilitating Internet service as well as for maintaining and repairing the equipment. The Government of Grenada in collaboration with the Government of Australia refurbished the National Youth Centre in 2010 after it was badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.

The Centre is the home for the Cadet Corp and the Youth Transition Movement, which seeks to give young offenders a great opportunity to start over. A number of public classes are offered at the Centre such as Badminton, self-defense, Chinese and English. 

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