Janelle Christie
Behind the big opening and the glitter of the ribbon cutting last week Thursday in Annatto Bay is the patient work of the Annatto Bay Community Development and Environmental Benevolent Society (ABDE). It has made a giant step toward achieving its goal of making residents of all ages, computer literate.
Over a month ago, on July 3 the society opened the doors of Annatto Bay Computer Resource Center in partnership with the National Youth Service, at the Saint Theresa Roman Catholic Church, in Top Bay, Annotto Bay.
This center makes provision for internet use and printing services for residents. The use of the computers and internet is free, while printing comes at a minimal cost when compared to that of other printing services in the area.
Help for the development of the center came through the Universal Service Fund that is on a mission to make all communities across Jamaica have access to the internet via their ‘community access point program (CAP)’.
The Environmental Benevolent Society saw the need for this type of Technological service in the community and decided to work on the center. After seeing the need, they sought a place of operation, however, there was a concern about security at the community center. They later approached the Annotto Bay Primary School. They too were not able to facilitate them due to concerns with space and time.
An agreement was later made an agreement with Father of the church where it is now located.
The room which was already constructed at the church was furnished with 15 computers, furniture, a printer, a projector and internet connection by the Universal Service Fund. Assistance also comes from other stakeholders in the community.
The center has two voluntary workers to assist persons coming to use the services and opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The opening hours are expected to extend to 7 p.m. when school is in session.
According to project coordinator and chairman of the ABDE Ruel Francis, the reception from the community has been ‘great’ and “it is a community project and a lot of persons are coming in”. He also said there is space for 20 more computers and that there are plans in place to partner with agencies such as HEART Trust, Social Development Commission (SDC), Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), Registrar General’s Department (RGD) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
Mr Francis says with these partners on board, the computer center will be transformed to a ‘multipurpose center’ where person will be able to come in and conduct official business.
Other executive members of the ABDE, who play a vital role in the development of the center include: principal of the Mahoney Hill Primary School and administrator and assistant secretary of the ABDE, Aunette Foster; and head of the English department at the Annatto Bay High School and secretary of the ABDE, Marsha Cousins.
