Threadways gets internet cafe

Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell said that Jamaica is poised to take its place among first-world countries for strides in technology.

The minister, who was speaking at the opening of an internet cafe at in Treadways, St Catherine, on Saturday said, "The country will be graded by bits per second and not per capita, as what currently obtains."

"We can be first-world rated like Australia, America and Japan, " the minister said to rousing applause.

The Threadways internet cafe represents a project that was spearheaded by civil

servant of the year, Enthrose Campbell.

The opening of the internet cafe, which is located at the Treadways Gospel Assembly, has made it easier for residents like Judith Higgins to gain access to the services instead of heading to Linstead about some five miles away.

"This cafe will help us to have easier access to broadband and other internet service. This can only empower the community," Higgins said.

Telecommunication company Digicel contributed five computers with modems to the centre. The minister also said the government is to contribute five computers.

Trisha Williams-Singh, senior corporate relations manager at Digicel, said the venture is

an example of her company's commitment to use technology as a vehicle for empowering Jamaicans.