Telecom Operators Working to Restore Internet Connectivity to Kalinago Areas
Two telecom operators are currently working behind the scenes to restore internet connectivity to the Kalinago Territory and other areas lacking such services in the country. This revelation was made by Senator Oscar George, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister saddled with the responsibility for telecommunications and broadcasting services in the country. He said both companies are reconciling proposals for the reconnection at the moment.
According to Senator George, the government had to intervene to get internet connectivity restored to cutoff areas after Whitney Melinard, a Lead Institute student who is a Kalinago native, drew attention to the problem via a video message. The female student had accused the government of marginalization and systemic racism since the Kalinago Territory and a few other areas are cut off from internet access.
As we speak, both parties are reviewing these proposals. Government expects a solution as soon as possible and we will be very disappointed with the service providers if this is not materialized.
Senator Oscar George: Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister
George disagreed that the Kalinago had been without internet access for the length of time that Melinard stated in her video, saying there was internet coverage to 95% of the entire Dominica until Hurricane Maria struck in September 2017. He revealed that telecom operators had restored connectivity to most areas in the country post-Maria, and that the Kalinago Territory is one of the 36 impacted regions awaiting reconnection.
While I totally understand the frustration expressed by the student from the Kalinago region and while I admire her bravery in voicing her concerns, the issue of racism, preference or marginalization are not warranted and to be honest this is far from the truth.
Senator Oscar George: Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister
George also pointed out that the government has made WI-FI available in 224 public buildings, 70 schools, and health centres, resource facilities, police stations, and village council offices to facilitate access to public Wi-Fi internet access where it is not available in remote communities. Education Minister Octavia Alfred also agreed with George, adding that students in the Kalinago had always performed excellently in examinations despite their location in a remote area of the island.
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