Teodoso Ochoa Digital Connect Center Launched

The Teodoso Ochoa Digital Connect Center was launched yesterday in San Ignacio. The second to be inaugurated since the start of the year, this center will provide a space for the San Ignacio community and students to access the internet and other digital tools, thereby helping to lessen the digital divide. Minister of Public Utilities, logistics, and E-governance underscored the importance of the centre. 

Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and EGovernance: “Today I see the launch of the Teodoso Ochoa Digital Connect Center not just as the launch of a nationwide network but more so the growth in our maturity and ability to nurture our young generation in the ICT field and to address social exclusions. The National Digital Inclusion program as guided by the National Digital Agenda is our continuous commitment to contribute and drive national development through technology. The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics and EGovernance together with our partners have designed a phase one of this program which will include the establishment of eleven digital connect centers with sites in the Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo, and Toledo districts. Communities will now have greater access to technology through public spaces. A unique element of this program is the refurbishing of existing and sometimes abandoned community centers, old clinics, hurricane centers and public libraries into the digital connect centers. We have built on the existing assets of our communities to optimize use and value.”

Diane Wade, Sr.Programme Analyst, UNDP: “These digital connect centers are expected to provide last mile connectivity to traditionally underserved populations our young people, our vulnerable women, and youths within our society. Apart from these the digital connect centers serves as a basis for the delivery and the linking of Belizean citizenry with digital services being developed within the national sphere.” 

Zahir Figueroa, Councillor, San Ignacio Town Council: “I can clearly see this as a hub for students to come and finish up their research and other assignments but not only will this digital connect center be bringing assistance directly to students but to their parents as well by having a peace of mind knowing that their children will have a safe location where they can comfortably be able to come and learn, research and interact with other fellow students. As a counselor at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council it excites me to see that this is the type of investments that our government and area representatives are making within our communities.”