Honourable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, would like to congratulate all telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) workers on World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) which will be observed around the world on Tuesday, May 17.
The purpose of WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other ICT can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide.
May 17 marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.
This year’s theme is, "Better life in rural communities with ICTs." ICTs are increasingly in demand to meet the Millennium Development Goals. In the rural context, ICTs provide enhanced opportunities to generate income and combat poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy.
Half of the world’s population – three billion people – resides in rural districts and far flung communities. The half represents the poorer, less educated, and more deprived people, and they are also among the least connected to the benefits of ICTs.
"The theme this year focuses on rural communities around the globe. Even though our country does not have any rural communities and is very much connected to internet and other modes of telecommunication, we are in solidarity with other governments and entities that are diligently working to bridge the gap that exist.
"We must be proud of what we have been able to achieve with respect to this technology and we must use it to our benefit in bettering ourselves, our community and our country," Hon. Minister of Telecommunications Meyers said on Monday.