In the Photo
Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Hon. Andrew Wheatley (2nd left) shares a light moment with the team from Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC)/FLOW as they met with the Minister on May 11, 2016. Sharing in the moment are (from left): CWC CEO Mr. Phil Bentley, FLOW’s Managing Director Mr. Garfield Sinclair and FLOW Foundation executive Chairman Mr. Errol Miller.
Story
Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET), Dr. the Honourable Andrew Wheatley recently met with Phil Bentley, Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) to discuss a variety of issues related to the proposed acquisition of Cable and Wireless by Liberty Global Plc.
Minister Wheatley said “We are optimistic about the possibilities of the proposed acquisition of CWC by Liberty, which presents opportunities for increased investment and growth of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Jamaica and throughout the region.”
The Minister advised the meeting that “All acquisitions should benefit the stakeholders, and in this instance, it is expected that the consumers and economies both locally and regionally will be the ultimate beneficiaries.”
Minister Wheatley further pointed to the Government’s vision of true universal access to Government of Jamaica services and Ministry of Education content and as well as the enhanced opportunities for content delivery and the need to ensure freedom of participation in that space for Jamaica and people across the region. This, he said, is an opportunity for telecommunications companies and service providers to get onboard in support of the country’s overall growth and creation of a knowledge based society.
In his discussions, the Technology Minister emphasised that in keeping with the Government’s priorities, service providers must explore opportunities for preferential pricing for Internet access and other services to be made available to institutions such as schools, hospitals and other critical services.
Additionally, Minister Wheatley encouraged good corporate citizenship to enable continued and even increased contribution to social programs locally and regionally in keeping with global norms.
During the meeting, Minister Wheatley also sought assurances that “if the acquisition of CWC by Liberty were to become a reality, the new entity would uphold all previous assurances, agreements and obligations that are in effect and conduct operations in a manner that promotes competition and fair play in the industry.”
