Horne said that more than 40 basic schools would be equipped with computers over the next 36 months, under the programme.

"The primary goal of this project is to touch the minds, hands and hearts of every child at the basic school level," he said at last week's launch at the Cheapside Basic School in St Elizabeth.

The project, he said, would play a vital role in encouraging basic school students, in the future, to pursue careers in the field of information technology.

Funding for the project is being provided by Horne's ARC Systems Ltd, overseas and locally-based computer sales companies and other private interests.

"Technology is the way forward, so we must prepare our children from the early childhood level to take advantage of the benefits that technology offers, as it is at this stage of the development process that we begin the task of transforming them into productive and successful citizens," the JLP senator remarked.

Horne, who is also a businessman, was recently elected chairman of the South East St Elizabeth constituency following the resignation of former chairman and mayor of Black River, Franklyn Whitter.

He told the Observer last week that the computer project was the launching pad for extending the use of information technology throughout the constituency.

"The field of information technology will not only enhance the learning process, but it will give support to other development initiatives," he noted.

He said plans were also well advanced to establish a mobile library, equipped with computers, which would give the constituents "full access" to computer technology.

In addition, Horne has proposed the development of a programme aimed primarily at encouraging constituency farmers to utilise the latest technology.

"We believe that the technology can help tremendously in the production of agricultural products, the efficiency in the marketing and also in the distribution," Horne said.

The parish of St Elizabeth is the largest producer of domestic food crops.

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