Dr Roger Luncheon, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, has said that, once implemented, the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project will see equity in the developmental process crossing a significant threshold. In a statement released on Saturday, April 16th, Dr Luncheon was in high praise for the President Bharrat Jagdeo- conceptualised initiative, which he is convinced could only auger well for Guyana’s development.
“The OLPF is a critical component of the new- frontier developmental paths that will drive the new and more prosperous Guyana. Since the launch of OLPF in January 2011, the wheels of innovation and national fervor that will eventually place modern, mobile computers into the hands of some ninety thousand families have been turning incessantly,” Dr Luncheon pointed out.
He believes the project gives impetus to a goal embraced by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) administration, adding that it will become the most transformational, social and economic development programme the country has undertaken.
“With a computer in the home, an enabling environment is created for parents and family members to become more involved in their children’s school work. It will enhance research and learning approaches in academia and general social studies, and it is expected that the achievement gaps between children of poor or working class parents and those of parentage from higher- income brackets will be narrowed,” the Cabinet secretary asserted.
The plan is to distribute some ninety thousand laptops to the poorest families across the length and breadth of Guyana.
Dr Luncheon believes that, because of the positive impact that the OLPF brings with it, “detractors are afraid.
“They cannot bear to see us emerge as a collective, truly embodying our sacred motto of One People, One Nation with One Destiny. They will not succeed, and we will not temper our resolve to expose them, their acolytes and machinations,” was part of the message Dr Luncheon had for critics, whom he described as “small- minded”.
He added that the administration remains steadfast in its opinion that, under the PPP/ C administration, “Guyana is on an irreversible path to progress and development, with everyone on board … even our detractors.
“No amount of lies and sabotage craftsmanship under the guise of journalism… and their political agents and backers, will frustrate our noble resolve,” he added.
“We will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to empower every Guyanese. We are working undauntedly to give laptop computers to ninety thousand Guyanese families through an enabling programmatic approach that will ensure effective learning outcomes, opportunity creation and ultimate empowerment for all.”
The government spokesman is urging citizens to familiarise themselves with the OLPF. He has revealed that the project unit will be making relevant information available to the public through various sources.
The first 50 thousand laptops for distribution are expected in the country shortly. However, at his last media briefing, Dr Luncheon said the criteria for eligibility will soon be published, along with application procedures, so that the beneficiaries could be identified.
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