Request for Speakers on Information Technology

UNCLAS KINGSTON 001602

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA CBARONE; INFO WHA/PDA APRUITT; RBANKS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO JM
SUBJECT: Request for Speakers on Information Technology



1. SUMMARY: Post seeks two speakers to participate in a
three-day program to include discussions and training for
business and media professionals on using information
technology to enhance their work.
END SUMMARY


2. Proposed Program Dates: A four-day program in Jamaica in
early October 2005 (FY-2005).


3. MPP Strategic Goal: "Economic Prosperity and Security"


4. Purpose of the Program: Post seeks two speakers to
discuss the importance and application of new technologies
in various sectors in Jamaica, with the aim of assisting
professionals in a variety of sectors to improve their
efficiency and productivity. Although as a developing
country Jamaica has access to a variety of high tech
options, and the infrastructural support has improved, many
Jamaicans working in a variety of fields are not aware of
the diversity and versatility of IT applications. The
Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology has made
efforts to encourage Jamaicans to make use of online
services now available, such as tax payments, as part of his
e-government program. With USAID funding, the Minister is
also bringing greater technological capabilities to farmers,
and will establish a new company, e-Learning Limited, to
enhance the use of IT in the classroom.

While the GOJ pursues such initiatives to empower the
Jamaican citizen in the field of IT, the private sector is
in some ways lagging behind. Journalists do not maximize
their use of the Internet for research. Journalists in
training need to be up to date with the latest technology.
The business sector, especially smaller businesses, do not
always have the necessary human and other resources to
provide training opportunities that are tailored to the
needs of their businesses. Some training entities, such as
the National Development Foundation of Jamaica, and other
private training companies, try to fill in the gap. The aim
of the program is to support such efforts.


5. Audience: Practicing journalists (print and broadcast
media); students and lecturers in journalism and
communications; business practitioners, including small
businesses; IT professionals.


6. Proposed topics and nature of events: Workshop
(consisting of two morning sessions) for practicing
journalists on Internet research; seminar with graduate
students and lecturers at the Caribbean Institute of Media
and Communications (CARIMAC) at the University of the West
Indies; one-day workshop for business professionals hosted
by the National Development Foundation of Jamaica; breakfast
meeting with American or Jamaica Chamber of Commerce;
seminar with Small Businesses Association of Jamaica;
luncheon/meeting with IT professionals.


7. Type of specialist required: An academic from a learning
center such as the Information Infrastructure Institute at
the University of Iowa, and a private sector specialist or
trainer from an organization such as the Cutter Consortium
if possible, one with a media focus and one with a business
focus. The two speakers should be able to work together on
all aspects of the program, whether it is with journalists
or business professionals.


8. Language: English.


9. Funding specifics: I Bucks.


10. Post program officer: Glenn Guimond, PAO; tel: (876) 935-
6053; fax: (876) 929-3637; email:guimondg@state.gov. Back-
up program officer: Emma Lewis, PAA, tel: (876) 935-6009;
fax: (876) 929-3637; email: lewisec@state.gov. Cobb