ICT in Guyana through the Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP)

V. Kissoon, Coordinator, Webmaster, IYV 2001 National Committee - Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP) - Guyana

The Sustainable Development Networking Programme (SDNP) is an attempt to utilize information and communication technology in their various forms, to facilitate a holistic and integrated approach for policy, strategy and management of the development process, with the emphasis on sustainability.

The SDNP acts as a not-for-profit Internet Service Provider, linking partners in development in Guyana, with the larger mandate of creating information and on-going dialogue and benefits, for the sustainable development of Guyana.

It is expected that when the SDNP becomes fully established, national development will be advanced in areas of economic, fiscal, trade, agricultural, industrial and all other policies and programmes, in an economic, social and ecologically sustainable manner. It is also a technological option that is expected to take Guyana into the 21st century where the exchange of information will be a prerequisite and indeed a pivotal and integral component of sustainable growth and development.

Objectives

1. To facilitate the sharing of information on the sustainable development of Guyana with all sectors of society, by connecting users and suppliers of information.
2. To improve the ability of, and empower, participants to engage in informed and participatory decision-making geared towards sustainable development at all levels of the economy and society.
3. To develop a sustainable network, which facilitates access to information, and encourages increased collaboration, participation and communication between stakeholders locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
4. To enhance Guyana’s capacity for using the computer as a communication tool, with emphasis on the Internet’s usefulness in the sharing of information, experience and knowledge.

Guiding Principles

The project will in its operation maintain these principles:

• Service to the citizens of Guyana;
• Freedom from political bias and partisanship;
• Not-for-profit operation;
• Minimum cost services to users (where appropriate);
• Maximum use of consultation among partners;
• Security and protection of data;
• Accountability and openness;
• Collaboration with other organizations and institutions locally, regionally and internationally that pursue similar goals;
• Support for the developmental activities of Government and of UN organizations.

Basic activities:

1. Providing standard dial-up access to the Internet, and one e-mail account per user, for those who qualify within the SDNP mandate.
2. Providing as much development related data on-line as is possible, and providing links to relevant local and regional sites.
3. Making available at the SDNP office, and other suitable locations in Guyana, a number of public access terminals to the Internet.
4. Designing and hosting web pages of appropriate local organizations, ministries, agencies and institutions
5. Basic training in selected agencies as requested.

Who will benefit:

The project is intended to benefit all sectors of the Guyanese society but in particular, government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, international donor agencies, teaching and research institutions and persons who wish to acquire information on such aspects as markets and investment opportunities, policies that need to be adhered to, environmental protection, pollution control, natural resources management and sustainable development and policy and programme information for planning purposes. In addition, individuals and groups, both private and public, external to Guyana are expected to benefit from the establishment of the SDNP communication network.