Last updated Sunday, 20 December 2020, 10:05 by Denis Chabrol
Tourism, Industry and Trade Minister Oneidge Walrond has praised Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) for opening two news outlets and creating jobs for communities in which they operate, saying it is a sign of confidence in the economy .
Minister Walrond, who commissioned the stores in Parika, East Bank Essequibo and Grove, East Bank Demerara, noted that in addition to delivering more services to residents, GTT also provides employment.
“We encourage and praise businesses that employ members of the community in which they serve and I understand that quite a few members of this shop are members of the surrounding community,” she was quoted as saying by the government.
Minister Walrond pointed out that the Government could not employ everyone; therefore, private companies such as GTT continue to play a central role in driving that process.
“[T]certainly citizen employment is welcome especially during this time, ”said the Minister.
The Industry Minister also highlighted GTT as one of the largest employers in the country and the launch demonstrates his understanding of his vital role in creating jobs and contributing to development.
“As a Government, we are reaching out to our service providers to come and talk to us to let us know what kind of enabling environment we can provide, what kind of incentives we can offer you to expand into these remote communities they really need a service, ”he said.
GTT has been leading telecommunications services in Guyana for nearly three decades and has established state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology nationwide, he said.
“I have been impressed by the innovation of your product development team, which is always exploring options to leverage technology advances towards providing greater connectivity and opportunities for citizens and businesses.”
The Minister said she was impressed by GTT’s continued expansion of its residential portfolio of services, thereby expanding choice for customers.
“Of particular interest are Blaze express services in Corriverton, Skeldon and the Essequibo Coast. I am a State advocate for equal access for all Guyanese. I think as citizens, we should be able to enjoy the fruits of our country, no matter where we live, ”he added.
Minister Walrond noted that the company has served generations of Guyanese and will soon be observing its 30th anniversary. During that time, it is clear that GTT has evolved with technology and remains a stable service provider in Guyana.
“In the advent of a competitive environment, we urge GTT to be innovative and aggressive in its thrust to emerge as a leader in technological development in Guyana,” he said.
Meanwhile, GTT’s CEO, Mr Justin Neath, said the shop is the first of its kind in Parika and GTT is proud to be part of the community. “We are proud to be able to bring employment and help the community,” he said.
Mr Nedd noted that only last year GTT brought Parika with a ‘faster’ internet and the in-store services are another example of the company providing residents with the services they demand and deserve .
The Government said in its manifesto that information and communications technology (ICT) is key to building an economy for the future and supporting national development. Two months after taking office, the PPP / C redressed its plan and liberalized the telecommunications sector. Since then, the Government has outlined plans and introduced programs using ICT for education, social and economic development.