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Last Updated: Dec 18, 2020 - 4:28:47 AM |
 OFFICIAL REMARKS
RECUITMENT LAUNCH FOR CISCO/BTVI
DEVNET SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
AND
SENATOR J. KWASI THOMPSON
MINISTER OF STATE FOR GRAND BAHAMA AND FINANCE ON
DECEMBER 16, 2020
Good Morning.
I am pleased to celebrate, once again, the Government’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CISCO Systems, a worldwide leader in networking technologies, and cybersecurity solutions. This CISCO partnership is another example of how we are reshaping The Bahamas as the next technology hub of the Caribbean. Today’s launch of the DEVNET Software Development Program between CISCO and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) comes as a result of the landmark MOU.
One of the government’s foremost priorities is the digitization of government processes and services, and more broadly, the promotion of a digital economy. Despite many obstacles in our way, we have held firm to the vision for technology to be the newest pillar of the economy, and our experience over the past year has made us even more resolute.
There is no longer any doubt: We must embrace technology and innovation to create jobs, stimulate investment, and advance our economic development. Cisco has committed itself to assisting countries to accelerate their digital transformation agendas to achieve these very objectives. I have every confidence that the outcomes of this collaboration will help to position the country for long-term prosperity in the digital age.
While there are many dimensions to the country’s digital transformation agenda, building human capacity is one of the most important components. This was emphasized by the Grand Bahama Technology Hub Steering Committee, which cautioned that for the Grand Bahama Tech Hub to be a success, we had to prepare the current and upcoming workforce. The Government heard the demand. We listened to the call. And through this collaboration with CISCO we are helping to ensure the Bahamian workforce is ready to capitalize on career opportunities and to explore entrepreneurship in a 21st century digital economy.
Through this agreement, CISCO will assist in providing knowledge and opportunities in many forms. Specifically, CISCO has committed to:
- Provide assistance in strategy-development for an Innovation Center which we have envisioned for the University of The Bahamas Northern Campus.
- Offer technical guidance to the government on building our tech hub, including leveraging technology to reach remote Family Island communities
- Assist in the development of marketing strategies to promote The Bahamas’ ICT Hub locally and internationally.
- Partner with BTVI to train some 100 persons in software development to build in-country talent based on CISCO’s globally recognized standards. I am pleased to say, these trained Bahamians will gain access to CISCO’s talent bridge with a view to identify possible job opportunities within CISCO and its partners.
I wish to highlight another important ICT program of the Government. In 2018, the Prime Minister requested BTVI to design a program for high school students to receive ICT skills. BTVI started a 3-year program for ninth graders who would take ICT courses during the summer. To date we have had 300 students participate. We have recently approved an additional 100. Successful students would obtain ICT certifications, one year of college credits and access to Cisco’s talent bridge opportunities.
As I close, I want to encourage Bahamians young and old to embrace all opportunities to enhance digital literacy and build skills in the technology section, as the technology industry is and will continue to be a source of opportunity and employment for the foreseeable future.
The Government remains steadfast in its mission to establish the Bahamas as a Technology hub, with Grand Bahama as its home-base. The digital economy is high on the priority list for the recovery and revitalization of our economy.
The Bahamas and particularly Grand Bahama looks forward to the partnership with CISCO Solutions and the many opportunities this agreement will produce for Bahamians.
© Copyright 2020 by thebahamasweekly.com
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