The HEART/NTA and Ministry of Industry and Commerce/Intec project was opened yesterday by Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for West Kingston Edward Seaga yesterday.

Twenty-two young men and women from the Denham Town community will partake in pilot Information Technology courses using the new equipment this year, as well as receiving tuition in entrepreneurial skills, English and Maths from HEART/NTA. The air-conditioned lab is equipped with ten Dell Optiplex computers, as well as a Canon printer and photocopier.

"This is a wonderful opportunity (for the participants) and a wonderful occasion for me," Mr. Seaga told the new class. "For a long time we have been trying to get a training programme going in Information Technology in this wonderful centre that we have."

"It is a landmark for the Denham Town community to have such a programme going here," he said.

"It is my intention to equip every school in West Kingston with a computer lab," Mr. Seaga said, estimating that within nine months this should be a reality.

"The computer is more than an essential tool for office administration," he continued. "It is a tool by which you can explore the whole world."

"This occasion provides an opportunity for the growth and development of the young persons of the community," HEART/NTA representative Jennifer Stewart told the new students, pointing out that computer skills are essential for today's world.

"Trainees, you are the pioneers of this project and your performance will determine the future of the partnership," she said. "Work hard and achieve your true potential and help build Jamaica, land we love."

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