Service as a Solution – UN Public Service Day

‘Discipline, tolerance, and production’ are the well-known and beloved watchwords of our country, yet there is another virtue that is often overlooked in our quest for progress as a nation – service. Service both as a virtue and a strength, goes beyond the idea of mere submission. Rather, it can be a building block for innovation, growth, and transformation. Service is more than doing a job efficiently and honestly, it is a genuine dedication to the people around you and your country. So, today, as we commemorate the United Nation’s Public Service Day, we want to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of public service to Trinidad and Tobago’s development and recognize the hard work of our fellow public servants.

While a variety of societal and cultural influences may give the false impression that the public sector is a stagnant industry, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) is enthusiastically seeking novel ways to expand and revitalise the public sector, through its strategic plan to digitally transform our nation. One recent example of GoRTT’s commitment to relearning and pivoting was demonstrated by its presence at the Global DPI Summit held in Pune, Maharashtra, India this month. iGovTT CEO, Inshan Meahjohn, who represented Trinidad and Tobago, and made the journey to the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) summit, eagerly explored common principles and design aspects of DPI, including open standards, partnerships, interoperability, and affordability amongst some of the world’s most esteemed subject matter experts.

The Global DPI Summit was held under the theme ‘Digital Public Infrastructure for Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business, and Ease of Governance’. This, of course, aligns seamlessly with GoRTT’s vision for digitally transforming Trinidad and Tobago. CEO Meahjohn’s attendance not only highlights the efforts being made by GoRTT to propel T&T forward but also showcases a willingness to learn from global leaders as we chart our way ahead. Whether it is the role of DPI in facilitating fast and inclusive digital payments within the public sector or the creation of e-court systems (e-filing, paperless courts) – the need for appropriate institutions and regulations to instill trust in DPI-powered systems remains critical. This trust, however, can only be bolstered by the continued commitment, discipline, and integrity while serving in our public sector.

The DPI Summit, born of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, was orchestrated by the Government of the Republic of India, which identified DPI as a key priority area in global development due to its unmatched impact on social, economic, digital, and sustainable development goals. To better understand the role DPI can play in our public service, we simply need to look at the ways it can support the delivery of essential services to citizens, by empowering and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion. When properly structured and implemented DPI promises to provide transformative opportunities and innovative solutions for citizens and sectors in Trinidad and Tobago, and we at iGovTT are extremely excited to be of service on this journey.

Yet, as we take a moment to appreciate the hard work already done, we must also look towards the future. The path to digital transformation awaits us, offering opportunities to revolutionize the way we serve our fellow citizens. This transformation, powered by innovation and technology, will pave the way for services that are more efficient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our diverse society. It is a journey that is not without its challenges, but one that holds the promise of a more connected, more empowered public sphere.

To our fellow public servants, we extend this clarion call: Let us lead the way forward. Let us take the reins of digital transformation, harness its potential to better serve our communities, and continue to uphold our commitment to the public good. We are the architects of this digital future, the stewards of public trust, and the champions of a service-driven society.

On this UN Public Service Day, we not only celebrate our past achievements, but also the work ahead of us. Let us continue to illuminate the path forward, grounded by our shared dedication to service, driven by innovation, and inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. To our fellow citizens, we pledge to continue serving you with dedication and integrity, striving to create a future where everyone has access to efficient, reliable, and inclusive public services. Together, we are building a world that celebrates public service, values the public servant, and places the public good at its heart.

Technology to further our tradition of creativity and innovation

Technology to further our tradition of creativity and innovation:
Article for publication on the occasion of UN (United Nations)
World Creativity and Innovation Day, Friday April 21, 2023

On this day, April 21st, we come together to celebrate the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day. Officially recognised as a global occasion, this day emphasises the essential role of imagination and progressive thinking in cultivating human growth and advancement, at both personal and collective levels. The inspiring theme for 2023, “Step Out and Innovate,” invites us all to break boundaries and explore new horizons.

Our vibrant nation of Trinidad and Tobago, proudly lays claim to the invention of the steelpan – the last significant musical innovation of the 20th century. This unique instrument is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our country’s people, who transformed discarded oil drums into melodious percussion instruments. The steelpan’s creation showcases the innovative spirit that thrives within the heart of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, demonstrating how the fusion of artistic expression and resourceful thinking can give birth to a timeless and globally celebrated musical treasure.

Trinidad and Tobago, renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit, evident in the many talented artists and creators hailing from this vibrant nation. We take pride in the contributions made by our creative luminaries, such as V.S. Naipaul, Samuel Selvon, Boscoe Holder, Winston Duke, Hazel Scott, Sundar Popo, Carlisle Chang, Heather Headley, Stephen Bennett, Joanne Sewlal, Calypso Rose, Cecilia Salazar, Machel Montano, George Moon Sammy, Barbara Hull, and Drupatee Ramgoonai, among others.

These trailblazers have excelled in diverse fields such as literature, acting, visual arts, and music, including the steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney, and the art of limbo. As we celebrate the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day, we honour our heritage of ingenuity and artistic prowess, and the remarkable achievements of our nation’s gifted individuals and as a country, we look forward to the future.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, digital transformation is taking centre-stage, revolutionising how we live and work in Trinidad and Tobago. It is essential that we recognise and harness the power of technology to fuel our journey towards diversified and sustainable growth. At the heart of this digital revolution, lies the creativity and relentless pursuit of improvement, effectiveness, and efficiency. By embracing these technological advancements, we can unlock a world of innovative solutions, creativity, and fresh ideas, leading to a positive feedback loop that nurtures even more creativity and value.

The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) contribute significantly to the global economy. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed in their 2022 Creative Economy Outlook, that creative goods accounted for US$524 million in global exports in 2020, while creative services exports reached a staggering US$1.1 trillion.

Focusing on Trinidad and Tobago, Creative TT – a state enterprise operating under the Ministry of Trade and Industry – reported that the local music industry alone generates over $329 million in revenue, encompassing more than 5,000 artists. Furthermore, the burgeoning fashion industry has produced over $266 million in revenue, featuring over 200 companies and upwards of 150 designers, reflecting the flourishing creative landscape of the island nation.

The UNCTAD report also highlights the transformative power of technology and creativity, urging developing nations to invest in digital infrastructure and adopt forward-thinking policies. The Ministry of Digital Transformation (MDT) has taken up this challenge, spearheading the digitalization of T&T along three (3) dimensions – digital society, digital government, and digital economy.

Technology, however, is only 10% of any digital transformation journey. The true catalyst for change and the other 90% is the people. A fact that does not go unrecognized by the MDT. The MDT in close collaboration with iGovTT are introducing an exciting initiative, the Developer’s Hub (d’Hub), that will unite developers from all walks of life, including newcomers, experienced professionals, nonprofit trailblazers, and passionate individuals! It will be an inclusive platform that invites developers and aspiring tech enthusiasts to collaborate, learn, and grow, empowering our nation with a formidable local force of digital experts. It will be a chance for our people to showcase our expertise and learn from others, while aspiring developers can dive into enriching courses and obtain guidance from seasoned mentors. This vibrant d’Hub aims to nurture our nation’s digital talent pool, cultivating a generation of skilled and innovative experts ready to propel our nation’s digital capabilities into a future-proofed and prosperous tomorrow.

In terms of music, the fusion of technology and creativity has redefined the way we consume and create content through “digital convergence.” This phenomenon has leveled the playing field for musicians, allowing them to record, produce, and distribute their work independently through platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

Software development, another creative powerhouse, challenges developers to craft innovative solutions from scratch. At iGovTT, our talented team has devised digital services like GovPayTT (online government payments), EmployTT (public sector recruiting), and eAppointment (public sector agency scheduling), all of which improve the lives of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

Website design has also evolved, striking a delicate balance between creativity and functionality through UX (user experience) design. This approach allows websites to be visually captivating while remaining user-friendly and efficient.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the tech landscape, promising to revolutionise countless aspects of our lives. However, the uncertainty surrounding AI’s potential has led to an informal global agreement to curb research and development in this area for now.

Technology’s capacity to foster creativity and tackle daunting challenges is undeniable. It holds the key to diversifying our productivity and addressing national and regional issues. iGovTT, alongside the Ministry of Digital Transformation, invites the nation to join us in embracing our creative and innovative traditions, supported by cutting-edge technology.

Together, let’s forge a new future for T&T, driven by digital innovation and creative collaboration.

iGovTT Supports Prisoners In Their International Chess Tournament Bid

As part of our continuing journey of digital transformation, iGovTT today made a loan of a dozen laptops to the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service (TTPrS) for their inmates’ participation in the first Inter-Continental Chess Championship for prisoners. The tournament is being hosted by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago, in collaboration with the International Chess Federation, FIDE, as part of its ‘Chess for Freedom’ project.

The laptops were handed over in a brief ceremony held at iGovTT’s Lord Harris Court Offices, Pembroke Street, Port of Spain. iGovTT’s Deputy CEO (Ag.) Sherwin Ragoonanan, was on hand to make the presentation to Supt. Allan Nanan of the TTPrS, along with President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association, Ms. Sonja Johnson.

With just one week to go for the tournament, iGovTT gladly offered to facilitate the TTPrS with the laptops after CEO (Ag.) Charles Bobb-Semple was approached by the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association for assistance. With the laptops, the inmates can access online chess resources in readiness for the competition.

In his remarks at the hand-over ceremony, Deputy CEO (Ag.) Ragoonanan was extremely elated that iGovTT could support the TTPrS in its rehabilitative and restorative mandate. He also highlighted that chess is more than just a game, in that it teaches rules and responsibility for one’s actions, as well as problem-solving approaches.

Both Supt. Nanan and Chess Association President, Ms. Johnson, expressed immense gratitude to iGovTT for its timely and significant assistance. Supt. Nanan, noted that with the COVID-19 restrictions of limitations with contact sports and other such recreational activities, chess is an ideal alternative and appropriate outlet for the inmates to participate in. Ms. Johnson noted that for the tournament, Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by three teams, inclusive of a female team.

iGovTT extends all the success to the inmates in the tournament.

TT Safe Zone Certificate is HERE!

Trinidad and Tobago will soon launch Safe Zones. #SafeZones allow fully vaccinated members of the public to partake in specific activities on October 11, 2021, such as gyms, cinemas, dine-in services at restaurants and a host of other entertainment-related activities.

According to the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health,  in a media conference held yesterday, businesses that qualify to be a Safe Zone simply have to display the Safe Zone poster in order to be regarded as such.

CEO shines at United Nations Webinar

Last Wednesday 23 September, iGovTT, and by extension Trinidad and Tobago was represented in stellar form by CEO Kirk Henry when he participated in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) webinar “Leveraging Digital Government and Spearheading Innovative Digital Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic in Caribbean SIDS.”

The webinar which focused on the Caribbean small island development states (SIDS) and how they are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, featured regional representatives from the islands of Grenada and the Bahamas with opening remarks from the Prime Minister of Aruba, Ms. Evelyn Wever-Croes and Ms. Francesca Spatolisano, Assistant-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs at the UNDESA, Mr. Mario Cimoli, Deputy Executive Secretary United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC) and Mr. Joseph Cox, Assistant Secretary General Trade and Economic Integration (TEI), CARICOM Secretariat. CANTO and the Caribbean Telecommunications Association were also represented.

Designed to contribute to the ongoing discussions in the Caribbean Community, and the role of digital government in the Caribbean in the post COVID-19 era, the webinar saw CEO Kirk Henry in esteemed company as he highlighted the need for agile e-government as a defining factor for us to move forward. He noted that iGovTT has made impressive strides during the pandemic, as we have implemented e-payments in the form of the GovPayTT platform at the Ministry of Attorney General and Legal Affairs, enabling citizens to be safe during the pandemic and make their payments from the comfort of their homes. He also highlighted the company’s work in advancing enterprise collaborative systems to facilitate remote work. Additionally, mention was made of one of our most used services – ttGovChat Live Chat service, inclusive of Chatbots which serve as an omni channel approach to communication for citizen queries and concerns.

Mr Henry stressed the importance of governments input in creating an enabling environment for innovation; i.e. – one where you can fail fast and move forward. “We need to be less risk adverse if we are to move forward” he said. Additionally of importance he highlighted was that we must have the proper infrastructure and be afforded the budget to put things in place – a sentiment extended by Ms. Jennifer L. Britton, Deputy Programme Manager, ICT for Development (ICT4D) who agreed that infrastructure is one of the main factors that hinder the region as far as progress is concerned.

Overall, the webinar was an engaging discussion, giving much needed insight into how our Caribbean neighbors are coping and planning to move forward. In his opening remarks, Mr Cimoli remarked that now is the time for CARICOM to come together so that we can all prosper at this time. The groundwork has been laid with the existence of a single CARICOM ICT Space, which Ms Teresa Wankin of CANTO highlighted in her presentation which should serve as motivation to accomplish further ICT goals. iGovTT, with its ever growing list of service offerings have continued to pave the way forward, and as our CEO enthusiastically exclaimed in his presentation, we will continue to do so, as this provides the opportunity to catapult the region forward.

A plan to digitise Trinidad and Tobago

Today, Minister of Public Administration and Digital Transformation, Senator The Honourable Allyson West, along with Minister in the Ministry of Public Administration and Digital Transformation, Senator The Honourable Hassel Bacchus, met with the Board of iGovTT to chart the way forward for digital transformation for Trinidad and Tobago for the next five years.

Chatbot now live on our website!

Fresh off the heels of a successful Online Payment Platform launch, we are once again excited to announce the addition of yet another feature to the company’s website in the form of ttGovChat!

The ttGovChat Live Chat feature went live on www.igovtt.tt this past Tuesday 14 July, thus enabling another smart, convenient way for the public to communicate with us. Operating hours for the live chat are Monday – Friday, 8 am to 4pm, except on public holidays. Members of the public can expect quality assistance should they need it once they venture to our website.

ttGovChat has seen positive uptake by the public, so it is a natural fit for us to add the feature to our own website as we seek to expand on our stakeholder engagement channels in an innovative, efficient manner. We have high hopes that it will be appreciated and utilised by the public, as we continue to lead the way in creating intelligent and integrative IT solutions.

Design Big, Implement Small: CEO Kirk Henry at AMCHAM Coffee Shop Conversations

On Friday June 26, 2020, CEO Kirk Henry participated in a panel webinar hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, Trinidad and Tobago (AMCHAM), titled Coffee Shop Conversations: the theme under discussion was Accelerating Digital Government. Other panelists were Director at iGovTT, Vashti Maharaj, appearing in her capacity as Director of Legal Services, Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, and Glynis Alexander-Tam, CEO Info Link Services Ltd.

One of the initial ‘Conversation’ points CEO Henry raised, was what he described as the four A’s in relation to implementing online services, these being: Availability, Accuracy, Agility, and Accessibility. CEO sought to explain ‘agility’ in the world of online business, as the efficiency and responsiveness that online services should present to the consumer. Accordingly therefore, online systems should present a level of efficiency, where the platform should also be readily adjustable in response to the end-users’ needs as may become necessary.

A stand-out point CEO Mr. Henry raised as well, was his quip of “design big, implement small.” By this, Mr. Henry was referring to the concept that ‘designing big’ is an inclusive or holistic approach to addressing an issue, accommodating of adjustment and contingencies with respect to agility, in the best possible way. Implementing small relates to introducing fully useful but bit aspects of the full expansive design than can then gradually be expanded toward a full fruition of the entire concept.

This main point was of course incorporative another aspect of agility in design, ‘fail fast.’ ‘Failing fast’ is about helping to avoid spending too much time, effort and, of course, finances, on a failing approach or concept. ‘Failing fast’ allows for learning lessons and acknowledging poor approaches more quickly, to move on to more fruitful outcomes at a faster pace.

With regard to this, Mr. Henry also related to the idea of developing and implementing generic and shared solutions, which can readily be used by multiple agencies and which can allow for improved changes in the overall processes as needed. Such would redound for better across-the-board satisfaction of clients of government services.

With respect to all this, Vashti Maharaj spoke to the necessity for change of mindset and culture if technological innovation was to be successfully implemented. She also stressed that government must develop adequate data security systems to protect the increased and continuous data they acquire via a digital services environment.

Glynis Alexander, also speaking in her capacity as former Chair of the e-Business Roundatable, emphasised the need for having a customer-focused approach, and she related that such was well-incorporated in the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Plan.

The ’Conversation’ truly touched on varied aspects toward accelerating digital government, and CEO Henry showed that iGovTT, was ready and willing to run the course and take the country forward.

New Online Payment Platform now Live!

This week saw the launch of a long-awaited, exciting feature on iGovTT’s Website. After many sleepless nights, repeated internal testing and collaborative meetings, the Online Payment Platform for purchase of Tender Packages went live on the company’s website this Wednesday 1 July, 2020.

The online platform brings an easy, convenient, customer-oriented service to bidders. This specific initiative involved collaborative teamwork across so many units within the organization. As such, this win represents the heart and spirit of the wider iGovTT organization in a very intimate way.

With the introduction of this payment platform, there is now no need to line up in the bank to make deposits or wire transfers as was in the past. With just a few clicks, a secure payment can be made with confirmation and the details of the tender package being sent via email upon completion of payment. Purchasers will also receive their formal confirmation of the purchase within one working day.

This online payment platform is yet another key milestone of iGovTT’s commitment to bringing digital convenience to our stakeholders. We anticipate that this feature will be positively received by the public, as we stand firm in our resolve to be Intelligent, Integrative and Innovative.

Roadmap to Recovery – iGovTT Supports Government’s recovery efforts.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, is looking forward to hearing from you… yes, you, as it adopts an all-inclusive approach in its Roadmap to Recovery initiative.

Trinidad and Tobago is no different to the many countries across the world, which are seeking to revamp their economies amidst the global economic slowdown arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. A key aspect of this recovery roadmap is, of course, citizen participation and engagement. In any democracy, citizen engagement is always important, but as many would now agree, we are in times where the significance of what we all do individually has become all the more impactful and appreciated than ever before.

After submission, your input, will then fall under the consideration of a diverse 22 person team of Government Ministers, businessmen, economists, and activists, put together by the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley. The high-level team’s mandate is to draft a roadmap whereby the country can navigate its way forward to recovery. The citizen input submission form is powered by iGovTT and can be accessed on our ttconnect’s portal.

According to the WEF (World Economic Forum) and Center for Economic and Community Development at Penn State, each have examined the process of citizen engagement. The WEF sees citizen engagement as central to governance, as “oftentimes, governments, international organizations, and academia can be very inward looking, with a focus more on processes, systems and organizational structures rather than the people those institutions and systems are meant to serve.” It also views citizen engagement as a complement to and not as a substitute to representative democracy.

The Center for Economic and Community Development sees where the use of citizen engagement can:

•   Increase the likelihood that projects or solutions will be widely accepted. Citizens who participate in these processes show significant commitment to help make the projects happen.

•   Create more effective solutions. Drawing on local knowledge from a diverse group creates solutions that are practical and effective.

•   Improve citizens’ knowledge and skills in problem solving. Participants learn about the issues in-depth. Greater knowledge allows them to see multiple sides of the problem. Citizens can practice communication and decision-making skills.

In all this, it shows that citizen engagement is a feedback loop, in that, ultimately, its benefits are for you, the citizen. So please, do know that you can make a significant and valuable impact in how we move forward, post COVID-19. Submit your contribution today!

Please visit https://www.ttconnect.gov.tt or https://roadmap2recovery.gov.tt/

iGovTT celebrates International Women’s Day

Annual General Meeting

The company’s Annual General Meeting took place on January 24, 2020 at iGovTT’s Lord Harris Court location. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and line ministry; The Ministry of Public Administration, External Auditors, The Board of Directors and iGovTT’s Executive Management team were all in attendance.

The meeting included an address from the Chairman, iGovTT, Dr Sean Rocke and CEO, Kirk Henry who both highlighted the company’s achievements over the past year. The Annual Report for the 2018-2019 fiscal year was then presented to all present.

Copies of this report can be found under “Publications” on our website.

HackTT Finals – Winners Announced

Last evening saw the final event of iGovTT’s inaugural Hackathon – HackTT at the Learning Resource Centre, UWI St Augustine. Team Andros, Kaizen Koders and Agile Developers were named winners of the 6-month long competition where they were assigned with the task of creating software solutions which can address ICT challenges identified by government ministries, departments and agencies. Members of the winning teams were awarded tablets and data plans provided by sponsor bmobile, They will also begin internships at iGovTT, Hyline Label Company and sponsors Crimson Logic, Fujitsu and bmobile later this year.

iGovTT celebrates its 10 year anniversary.

iGovTT celebrated its 10th Anniversary by hosting an Interfaith Service last Friday 19 July. Employees, stakeholders and other specially invited guests gathered at the Government Campus Plaza to mark this special milestone which saw remarks from Chairman, iGovTT Ms Esther Le Gendre and an address by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration, Mr Maxie Cuffie who praised the company’s efforts in bringing to life the Government’s vision for sustainable national development and meaningful uptake of ICT within the Public Service. Mr Cuffie also commended iGovTT on the company’s ongoing contributions to providing a high quality of life for all citizens through the use of ICT.

iGovTT at The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Teaching and Learning Technologies Symposium

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) hosted its symposium on teaching and learning technologies in education yesterday at NAPA. iGovTT’s CEO Kirk Henry, was part of the panel discussion which focused on the need for all stakeholders to understand the challenges and complexities that come with digital transformation and the need for all elements of an academic or administrative system to become integrated into an eco-system kept alive by a virtual workflow of digital information.

Other panel members included Mrs Joan Mendez, PS in the Ministry of Public Administration, Dr Camille Samuel, VP for Student Affairs, COSTAATT and Dr Leroy Hill, Dean, School of Distance Education, USC.

Demystifying Document & Content Management – A workshop hosted by iGovTT and Hyland

Today, iGovTT partnered with Hyland, to host a workshop on Enterprise Content Management. Hyland is the developer of the enterprise content management and process management software suite OnBase. The session addressed planning and implementing Enterprise Content Management, records and information management and information governance projects. Over 60 participants within GoRTT attended the event today.

iGovTT at Caribbean FutureScape – an event hosted by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union

iGovTT was proud to collaborate with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)  on Caribbean FutureScape.

As part of its 30th Anniversary Celebrations, the CTU hosted FutureScape – a simulated technology immersion experience that demonstrated the speed, efficiency, transparency, resilience, facility and simplicity of life in a fully integrated digital Caribbean.

The event ran from April 30th to May 1st at the Trinidad Hyatt Regency.

International Girls in ICT Day 2019

IT Sector Meeting – Power BI vs Tableau – A Data Analytics Duel.

On Wednesday 24th April 2019, iGovTT hosted its IT Sector meeting entitled Power BI vs Tableau – A Data Analytics Duel. The event was attended by IT directors and managers within GoRTT. The data analytics duel was a comparison of Tableau and Power Bi, both of which are data visualisation and analysis tools. The discussion was centered around the efficiency, easy of use, platform integration, accessibility and pricing of both tools. Leslie Lee Fook, Director of Incus Services Ltd presented on Tableau while Darryl Ramdin of 7d3 Analytics focused on Power BI. Overall, we called the Power BI vs Tableau duel a draw.

Launch of HackTT

Last evening saw the official launch of iGovTT’s inaugural hackathon event – HackTT. Held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus, this signaled the start of the competition which will see 22 teams from various tertiary institutions across the country, competing to develop solutions aimed at addressing ICT challenges and needs identified by Government Ministries, Divisions and Agencies.

Professor Edwin Ekwue, Dean of Engineering, in his address to those in attendance, expressed his appreciation for the partnership between iGovTT and UWI. He stressed the importance of collaborations like these as they afford tertiary level students with a valuable opportunity to develop and implement solutions that can impact Trinidad and Tobago. Deputy CEO, iGovTT, Charles Bobb-Semple, briefed the students on the format of the competition and then assigned the teams their problem statements. The competition will run from March to September and culminate in a live demonstration of the solutions presented, with an award giving function.

MOU signing between iGovTT and UWI for HackTT

The National Information and Communication Technology Company (iGovTT) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to facilitate the provision of technical advice, selection of students and the usage of classroom facilities for iGovTT’s inaugural student hackathon, HackTT. HackTT is a competitive event in which students from tertiary institutions across Trinidad and Tobago, will formulate and develop software solutions, aimed at addressing ICT challenges and needs identified by Government Ministries, Division and Agencies. The solutions developed will be used by the Government for the benefit of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

iGovTT’s CEO Kirk Henry at bmobile’s Connect Conference

iGovTT’s CEO Kirk Henry was a panelist at bmobile’s Connect Conference recently  held at the Hyatt Regency,  Port of Spain.
He was joined by Andre Mills (NAGICO), Dr Wayne Frederick (Howard University) and Ronald Hinds (Teleios) to speak on the topic “Building a Digital Mindset for Future Innovation”
The panel discussion was moderated by Lorenzo Hodges (Plain White Table).

MOU Signing – Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and iGovTT

Members of the public will soon have the ability to access social welfare services at any of the seven ttconnect Service Centres located across Trinidad and Tobago. This new arrangement was sealed when the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services and iGovTT formalised their mutual interaction through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry’s Head Office, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain on January 28th, 2019.

Among other things, this new arrangement will seek to improve service delivery and access to social welfare services through traditional and non-traditional service delivery channels. These channels include ttconnect’s online portal, mobile portal, service centres, express buses, a toll-free number 800-8826, email services, self-service kiosks and LiveChat opportunities via ttGovChat and the soon to be introduced ChatBot. Users will therefore benefit from accessing timely and accurate information at their own convenience.

During the brief ceremony, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Jacinta Bailey-Sobers and iGovTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Kirk Henry, both expressed their intention to continue their longstanding relationship to ensure effective and efficient service delivery to new and existing clients of both entities. According to PS Bailey-Sobers, the initiative, though long in coming, will help to ensure that there is an improvement in service delivery as the Ministry seeks to become a customer-driven, high performing organisation through service excellence. iGovTT’s CEO, Kirk Henry, indicated that the MOU aligns with iGovTT’s strategic plan which seeks to further the national ICT plan by adding value and improving the livelihood of citizens.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Vijay Gangapersad and Head of ttconnect, Edson Eastmond, who indicated that he looks forward to working with the Ministry to ensure that the services are available to clients both in-person and online.

ttconnect Service Centres are located within seven communities, namely, Arima, Bon Accord, Tobago, Chaguanas, Curepe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande and St. James. Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Division, Christine John-Guy, and ICT Director Alvin Dain were among other key staff of the Ministry also present at the signing.

iGovTT’s ICT Symposium 2018

“Transforming ICT in a changing landscape” was the theme of our 2018 Symposium.

Held on October 19, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Port of Spain, the Symposium brought together leaders in business, government and academia to impact economic and social development through the exchange of policies and ideas on technology. The initiative promoted and brought awareness to the role of Information and Communications Technologies in the transformation of Trinidad and Tobago into a knowledge-based economy.

The feature speaker was  Dr. Arvo Ott, a digital government expert from Estonia, the most advanced digital economy in the world. Other speakers included Mervyn Eyre, President & CEO of Titanium sponsor Fujitsu Caribbean; Enrique Gutierrez, Microsoft Digital Crime Unit; PwC’s Behram Faroogh, Asif Qayyum and Zia Paton; Rakesh Goswami, TSTT; and Dr. Auliana Poon, founder of Tourism Intelligence International.

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement signing

iGovTT Chairman, Esther Le Gendre speaks with Microsoft T&T Country Manager, Frances Correira and Public Administration and Communications Minister, Maxie Cuffie at the signing ceremony for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. The Ministry of Public Administration and Communications (MPAC), iGovTT and Microsoft signed a new three year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (MEA) to provide Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with access to the Microsoft Office suite at a reduced cost. The new agreement includes a Microsoft Home Use Programme which will allow public officers to obtain the Microsoft Office suite at a onetime discounted price of USD 9.99, instead of the original cost of USD 399.99.

Under the new agreement the Microsoft prices will remain constant regardless of any increases in retail price by the company, thus resulting in significant cost savings by the Government. Our line Minister, Minister Cuffie emphasized, “this price freeze facility is a source of significant national cost savings as the last three year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement cost US$40 or TTD 272 million more than the current one. This saving could fund the full development programme of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for a year.” The MEA will result in an annual savings of $25million a year for the duration of the agreement.

The agreement will permit 7,781 named users to install and use the Office software on five PCs or Macs, five tablets, and five smartphones for use on their devices, with the Government’s administrative approval and oversight. Minister Cuffie noted that the Government plans to fully leverage the major information communication technology developments that are unfolding globally to deliver effective, end to end public services.

New iGovTT Board of Directors

Launch of WEF Global Information Technology Report (GITR) 2016

IT Managers Meeting – November 2015

MOU Signing Ushers in Free WiFi on Select PTSC Buses

Travelling on the bus just got more interesting. Imagine surfing the internet on your smartphone, tablet or laptop while commuting to work or school on your favourite PTSC bus. This will shortly become a reality thanks to the agreement signed between the National Information and Communication Technology Company Limited (iGovTT) and the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) to provide free WiFi to the travelling public on select buses.

Caribbean TIDE Conference – DAY 1

The Caribbean TIDE (Technology and Innovation for the Digital Economy) Conference 2015 is primarily about two very important things in this, its inaugural year Open Data and Broadband.

DAY 1

This conference is being used as a catalyst for our own involvement in this phase in the rollout of the broadband strategy. Larry Howai, of the Ministry of Finance and the Economy, was referring to the two Phases of the National Broadband Strategy (see more in smarTT  the National ICT Plan 2014-2018).

The first day hosted a number of TIDE talks, in the tradition of TED talks. Accessibility to the internet is still elusive to so many persons this fact was brought to light, in more than one of the TIDE talks that discussed broadband innovation, in the form of OneWeb and Outernet.

OneWeb provides satellite-powered low-latency terminals that emit LTE, 3G and WiFi providing high-speed internet access for everyone. According to their website, This project is large and challenging. Collaboration is the key to its success. OneWeb is everyone’s network. It belongs to us all. And it needs all of us to take action. That’s tweetable by the way!

Click here to help OneWeb spread the word!

WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report

iGovTT CEO, Trevor Libert delivers sponsor’s remarks at the launch of WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report. For a second consecutive year, Trinidad and Tobago has placed 89 out of 140 countries in the Global Competitiveness Report. The Index, released on September 30 at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (ALJGSB), shows that the country’s score dropped slightly from 4 to 3.9. iGovTT partnered with the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and was one of the sponsors for the release of the report.

Competitiveness is defined as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity. The level of productivity, in turn, sets the level of prosperity that can be reached by an economy. Since 2005, the World Economic Forum has based its competitiveness analysis on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), a framework that measures the microeconomic and macroeconomic foundations of national competitiveness.

The level of productivity in a country is what takes it forward but according to the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report, Trinidad and Tobago has a major problem with the work ethic of the labour force and also with corruption.

ICT for Seniors San Fernando

The Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of the People and Social Development, hosted its fourth ICT for Seniors Programme on Wednesday 22nd July, 2015 at Skinner’s Park, San Fernando. This Programme is part of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s thrust to ensure that all citizens are included and are provided with greater access to information and communication technology (ICT) and can use these technologies to improve their quality of life.

This Programme follows successful programmes which were held last year in Port of Spain, Couva and Valencia. iGovTT and ttconnect were well represented as an interactive presentation and discussion was held with video material and workbooks for participants as well as a fully equipped ttconnect booth to disseminate information and material on ttconnect services.

The Ministry of Science and Technology believes that ICTs can become an effective tool to allow seniors to play a greater part in society. This session introduced the senior citizens to communications tools such as email, Skype, Facebook and showed them how to access government services via the ttconnect platform and electronic banking services. There were also dynamic presentations from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on cybercrime, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago on consumer protection and other interactive displays and sessions from state agencies and private sector companies.

Dr. the Honourable Rupert Griffith, Minister of Science and Technology underscored that the programme helps to foster a more seamless movement of seniors into the digital life. He affirmed what the ICT for Seniors programme really does, is provide an important avenue to support active ageing. The use of ICTs is an opportune means of promoting life-long learning while creating benefits across different generations, bringing young people and seniors together and tackling the digital divide.