PRIME MINISTER RECEIVED I.C.T POLICY
Telecommunications Commissioner Mr. Hill explains the benefits of updating the legal frameworks for ICT and national broadcasting to Prime Minister Sogavare. Photo credit: OPMC.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday received the National Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Policy and National Broadcasting Policy draft for consideration and possible endorsement.
The draft policies were presented by Dr. Andrew Simpson, a consultant engaged to assist the Ministry of Communications, Aviation and Information Technology in addressing the gaps in the policy and legal frameworks for broadcasting and ICT.
Presenting the draft policy documents, Dr. Simpson said the ICT Policy Project was conceived with the idea of reviewing to keep up with the needs and challenges of a rapidly developing and competitive information and communications industry.
Dr. Simpson said the policy and law for broadcasting and other electronic media are incomplete and outdated adding this situation inhibits investment in the sector and leaves consumers vulnerable to misconduct.
He said the policies identify strategies to achieve a peaceful, united and progressive Solomon Islands that communicates and is
informed by ICT technologies.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledged receipt of the draft policies and assured that Cabinet will look into them.
Prime Minister Sogavare said whatever changes are made must be structured in the way Solomon Islanders relate to these technologies.
Also present at the draft policy handover ceremony was Commins Mewa Minister for Communication and Aviation, Mr. Moses Virivolomo-Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.