The 2010 Population and Housing Census states that 43.3% of Saint Lucia’s population had access to the Internet. In areas like Gros Islet and Castries City, the percentage of people with access was 57.2% and 41% respectively. In Choiseul 25% of the community had access and, in Soufriere, it was 27.9%. In 2015 the day’s administration began working with the Government of China (Taiwan) to develop the Government Islandwide Network Project (GINet). The project’s aim is to develop local, wireless network areas in public areas throughout the island.
Last January phase 1 of the project was rolled out. The Taiwanese contributed US$3.28m and Saint Lucia US$720,000. Under Phase 1, a total of 70 wireless access points were installed in Castries, Canaries, Dennery North, Micoud North and Vieux Fort South.
Last Thursday Phase 2 was officially launched at Constitution Park in Castries. From this phase, Anse La Raye, Micoud South, Choiseul, Gros Islet, Castries South East and Babonneau will benefit.
“In the digital age, network infrastructure is key to economic development, competitive strength in the global market and improved quality of life,” said the visiting Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen last week. “This project is not only helping travellers connect more easily, it is also helping bridge Saint Lucia’s urban-rural digital divide and connecting Saint Lucians with the rest of the world.”
The president confirmed that Taiwan is more than willing to share its technology and experiences with Saint Lucia and will “continue to expand GINet’s coverage across the entire island, and work with you, to foster Saint Lucia’s digital development”.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet announced that the programme has the potential to enhance the Internet penetration rate on the island. He says that it brings technology to the rural areas, where residents for years have complained about being left out in aspects of national development. “GINet bridges that divide and ensures that all our people will now be on an equal footing as far as internet accessibility is concerned,” he said.
The Prime Minister confirmed the project’s potential for growth and the enhancement of the country’s economic future. He said it fitted well into the government’s plan to decentralize development. He invited the nation to see GINet as a tool for education and research, sharing vital information, and for communication.
“Let us use the web to expose others to the goods and services we have in our communities,” he added. “Let’s use it to promote our arts and culture and to expand opportunities for our entrepreneurs. Let us use the internet wisely and responsibly.”
Chastanet said these are exciting times, especially for students and young people. He declared that in this technology-dependent world, Saint Lucians will not be left behind, thanks in great part to the generosity of Taiwan.
