Accompanying the Agreement is the provision of critical training to users of the software.  This will be delivered by the Kingston based computer training centre New Horizons, which has been selected "as the preferred training provider" for the Jamaican Government under this Enterprise Agreement.  This will allow selected government IT professionals to become Microsoft Certified Professionals at the highest level in each government ministry.

"New Horizons is fully committed to delivering the very best training services to the Government of Jamaica under this Agreement," says Anna-Kay Lee, general manager of New Horizons.  "It is our resolve to empower the country of Jamaica through training in world-class technologies, and we stand ready to serve.  Additionally, training of our government IT personnel will ensure that the correct level of proficiency is in-house to deploy the Microsoft software purchased by the Government of Jamaica."

Training is expected to be implemented in two phases.  The first phase will see the participation of senior IT technical staff from two ministries namely, the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture.  The second phase of training will complete the participation of additional ministries.

"The intent of training at the Ministry level is to develop a cadre of expertise at the top which will in turn lend support to their respective agencies."  Says Michael duQuesnay, chief executive officer of the government's Central Information Technology Office (CITO), which has been charged with the responsibility of administering the Agreement.  He also contends that one of the critical objectives of the training to be undertaken must be to assist government employees to become more productive, and in doing so, "reduce the cost of running the government, and improve citizen services."

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is the largest computer training organisation in the world.  The organisation enjoys a strong relationship with Microsoft globally and they are designated Microsoft Certified Partners in Learning Solutions (MCPLS).  For over 20 years, New Horizons has been providing learning solutions that have helped organisations achieve business results such as increasing productivity and efficiencies, driving revenue and reducing costs.  Training is delivered in a variety of formats namely, Classroom Learning, Online LIVE Learning, Online ANYTIME Learning, and On-Site Training.

Says Lee, business head of the Jamaican arm, located at the Liguanea Post Mall, Hope Road, "New Horizons is proud to have been selected to assist the government with its thrust into the Information Technology Age.  Training will enable the Government to bring reality to its e-Commerce initiatives, and allow it to capitalize on this particular investment."

Microsoft Country Manager Joseph McKinson in expressing his company's undertaking to work with the Government said, "We are committed to working along with New Horizons and the Government of Jamaica in order to further the fulfilment of training which falls under the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement signed June 2004."