"We have a modern economy in many ways, [but] in many ways we need to become more modern in many more ways. . . technology can be helpful in this regard," Laing said last week at the Bahamas Yearly Technology Expo (BYTE). "The point of technology is to help us do what we do more efficiently and effectively [and] we must set our individual and collective minds to elevating productivity in this nation to new levels.
"This is a national priority, necessary at all times and crucial in difficult times."
His statement follows an overhaul on the government's wide area network (GWAN) in early November, which manages the treasury, passport and human resources systems, among others. It follows a near $1 million contract in 2008 between the government and computer company IBM to completely revamp the network.
The new network came on stream on November 10 and will provide for the advancement of e-government in The Bahamas, Laing added, from which online services of the following can be expected: payment of business license fees, payment of real property tax, payment of fines, renewal of driver's license, among other services on the Internet.
The new system will only allow up to 3,000 licenses government users to have direct access to the Internet, with others having a more curbed access.
"This will ensure that the public gets value for its money and better services from those it employs," Laing explained.
"Far from discouraging the use of computer technology by public officers, the new system ensures responsible, effective, safe and accountable use of the government's computer network by controlling access, not denying it."
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Inderia Saunders
Quelle/Source: The Nassau Guardian, 08.12.2009
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