Cisco Systems signs MOU with govt on GB tech hub

Grand Bahama is another step closer to becoming the tech hub envisioned by government, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) yesterday with global technology company Cisco Systems.

Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson brought remarks yesterday in a virtual press conference to commemorate the occasion of the MOU, stating that the partnership will mean hundreds of Bahamians will be trained to operate in the information and communications technology (ICT) space.

He revealed yesterday that the agreement with Cisco will assist with strategy development for an innovation center; guide the building of the country’s tech hub; assist in the development of marketing strategies to promote the tech hub locally and internationally; and train Bahamians in software development based on Cisco’s globally recognized standards.

“While there are many dimensions to the country’s digital transformation agenda, building human capacity is one of the most important components,” Thompson said.

“This was emphasized by the Grand Bahama Technology Hub Steering Committee, which cautioned that for the Grand Bahama tech hub to be a success, we had to prepare the current and upcoming workforce.

“In 2018, the prime minister requested BTVI [Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute] to design a program for high school students to receive ICT skills. BTVI started a three-year program for ninth graders who would take ICT courses during the summer. To date, we have had 300 students participate. We have recently approved an additional 100. Successful students would obtain ICT certifications, one year of college credits and access to Cisco’s talent bridge opportunities.”

Senior Vice President at Cisco Jordi Botifoll said technology has the potential to be the single greatest catalyst for economic and social progress in the country.

Botifoll said knowledge transfer is critical to building the tech hub and creating new business models in the technology space in The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas is a great location, it could attract a lot of people from the world to live a high quality of life, work remotely and to be part of virtual events,” said Botifoll.

Thompson said Cisco’s presence in The Bahamas will “position the country for long-term prosperity in the digital age”.

“I am pleased to say that these trained Bahamians will gain access to Cisco’s talent bridge with a view to identify possible job opportunities within Cisco and its partners,” said Thompson.

“The government remains steadfast in its mission to establish The Bahamas as a technology hub, with Grand Bahama as its home base. The digital economy is high on the priority list for the recovery and revitalization of our economy.”

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