Digicel, Antigua & Barbuda’s Bigger, Better Network, along with the Ministry of Information, opened another two Internet Access Centres at the Jennings Secondary and St Mary’s Schools on Thursday, April 7, 2011.

The two new centres, which were officially opened by Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon Baldwin Spencer, are the fourth of twelve facilities that will afford Antiguans and Barbudans free internet access. Students, as well as residents of surrounding communities, will benefit from the centres which are each kitted out with 16 brand new desktop computers and air-conditioning and equipped with a ramp for wheel chair accessibility.

Speaking at the opening, Digicel Antigua & Barbuda General Manager, John Delves, congratulated the teams for their hard work and appealed to the students and residents of both communities to take advantage of this opportunity to empower and educate themselves.

“Giving back to the people of the community, and by extension the people of Antigua & Barbuda, is the motivation behind Digicel’s involvement. We have a lot of talent in Antigua & Barbuda and the next Bill Gates may come from here, so we’re preparing you for the future,” Mr. Delves said to enthusiastic applause.

In a heartfelt response of gratitude to Digicel, a student from the St. Mary’s School recited a poem which invited everyone “to the warm friendly lady”, referring to the access centre.

This programme is part of the ‘Technology for Communication, Education and Empowerment Initiative’ launched in March which aims to help bridge the digital divide in the twin-island nation and better prepare young people for a technologically-driven world.