Presented
at the
Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce
Montego Bay, Jamaica July 17, 1999
Comments of
TYRONE D. TABORN
Chief Executive Officer
Career Communications Group
I'm please to be here today. Jamaica is my second home. My wife, Jean, grew up right here in Montego Bay, and in the United States, we have worked on the behalf of Jamaican interests with our good friend, Ambassador Richard Bernal, and the Jamaican Association of Maryland. I'm pleased to announce the presence of Margaret Bernal, who flew in this evening to support our effort, as well as the Honorable
Shirley Pulliam, the first and only Jamaican ever elected to the Maryland state legislation. Margaret and
Shirley.
Last week, Falling through the Net was released by the Department of Commerce. It clearly underscored the growing gap of computer ownership and Internet usage between blacks, Hispanics and whites.
The issue of haves and have nots is even more pronounced between Jamaica and the United States.
Last year, over 200,000 information technology jobs went begging in the United States. The good news is that Jamaica, with your resourcefulness and rich people, can be a source for these high paying opportunities. But education is the key.
Government cannot be expected to go this alone. We in industry must also do our share. This is why I'm pleased to present a check to the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce to fund two scholarships to the Caribbean Institute of Technology. We are also excited to join with Minister Philip Paulwell in providing computers to all the post offices in St. James for Internet access.
Both of these efforts are made possible because of upcoming 2nd Black Family Technology Awareness Week, to be celebrate this February 14-19, 2000. This is a major program sponsored by my magazine, USBE Information Technology and the IBM Corporation, as well several corporations and organizations.
Jean and I look toward to taking many more steps with you into a future of endless opportunities. We hope that our small efforts encourages more companies to do their part in bridging the digital divide.
