On Thursday May 17, Dominica, as part of the International Telecommunication Union celebrated ‘World Telecommunication and Information Society Day’ (WTISD).
Hon. Ambrose George Minister for Information & Telecommunications, in his address described the founding of WTISD.
He says, “World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17th of May since 1969, marking the founding of the international telecommunication union (ITU) and the signing of the first international telegraph convention in 1865.”
“In order to bring into focus the importance of ICT and the wide range of issues related to the information society, in November 2005, The World Summit on the Information Society called upon the UN General Assembly to declare May 17 as World Information Society Day. Since then we commemorate a combined World Telecommunications and Information Society Day.”
The minister said that the purpose of WTISD is to raise awareness of the possibilities of the internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT).
Minister George mentioned that the theme for this year’s commemoration is “Women and Girls in ICT,” and he explains why.
“The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Women and Girls in ICT”, aims to ensure that women and girls here in Dominica and the world over, can progress as equals and can succeed as equals. This year’s theme is on the heels of celebrating “Girls in ICT DAY” on the 26th of April this year and from here on annually, on the fourth Thursday of April. In my address on that day I highlighted the dearth of professional women in ICT and the need to enthuse and encourage our girls into avenues of ICT training in various fields that are necessary for our development. Moreover, this fits into Dominica’s wider international embrace that Gender equality is a basic human right enshrined in the UN Charter, and it is one of the main objectives of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): Goal 3 – Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women.”
Hon. George concluded his address by emphasizing that ICT has saturated every career and it would be wise for Dominicans including females, to adapt, improvise, overcome and succeed in order to become more resourceful and useful to Dominica’s economy.