Is the region ready for the information revolution?

There are different perceptions on what constitutes an “old media” society and a “new media” society.  Trinidad & Tobago has embarked upon an ambitious Vision 2020 Plan without the average citizen fully appreciating the social implications and lifestyle adjustments associated with becoming a “new media” society.  

Although the word “media” is generally associated with journalistic endeavours, for the purpose of this discussion media are defined as instruments/platforms of mass communications.  The distinction between the two is categorized by the use of digital technology.  The traditional old media include print (books, magazines, newspapers), broadcasting (radio and television free and subscription) and telecommunication (landline services).  Although the landline service is limited to person-to-person contact, it is considered “old media” by mass communication experts.

As mentioned previously, the distinguishing feature of “new media” is the use of digital technology.  New media include personal computers, laptops, cellphones, ipods etc.  Often times, there is an overlapping of functionality due to convergence which does not affect the end-user, for example, cable companies converting from analog to digital.

Principal consultant at Technology for Development, South Africa, Dr. Gillian M. Marcelle made the point that “information society consist of the set of social, cultural, political, institutional and economic arrangements that facilitate rapid and widespread diffusion of information and communications technologies (ICT).

“Creation of an information society has the potential to provide significant benefits for, and have major impact on, the priority developmental goals in poor countries.

 “However, it is not automatic and the public policy challenge facing developing countries is to shape the evolution of the information society to produce maximum benefit.” (Guardian, February 23, 2006)

Marcelle urged the region to rely less on market forces to determine development impact because this would limit the benefits of ICT to consumers who can afford to purchase them rather than expanding to include all citizens who have the right to communication and information.  “Like any other technology, ICT is shaped by social and political forces.  It does not automatically provide significant benefits for, or have any major impact on, the central developmental goals of poor countries; nor does it align with social and economic priorities.  This kind of impact requires leadership from developing countries and their partners.” (Guardian, February 23, 2006)

Government’s Vision 2020 Plan, an adaptation of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals was the outcome of consultations with key stakeholders, the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Government Ministries, Non-Governmental Organsations (NGO), Community Based Organisations (CBO) and other private sector organizations.  The research for the Draft Milennium Development Goals of T&T was conducted by the Ministry of Social Development and funded in part by the UNDP.    “Abbreviated as the MDG’s, these set of indices are designed to serve as the cornerstone for development towards the year 2015 and within the context of the National Vision 2020 plans.” (Guardian, December 30,  2004)

As Marcelle’s analysis suggest, it is an ambitious exercise, particularly for a developing nation like Trinidad & Tobago, which must now play catch-up with developed nations, a problem further exacerbated when market-driven forces runs apace of social development plans. It has been argued Trinidad & Tobago needs to make this transition in the shortest possible time or risk being marginalized in the global market economy.

Recognizing the broad ambit of the Vision 2020 Plan, this study only focuses on Government’s commitment to developing a “knowledge-based society” or using the UN’s terminology and “information society”.  The terms “new media society”, “knowledge-based society” and “information society” will be used interchangeably in this paper.  However, the same meaning is implied.

For example the website of the Ministry of Public Administration fastforward explains “Trinidad and Tobago’s fastforward agenda is all about transforming the country into a knowledge-based society by 2008. Government working with the public and private sectors has produced an exciting roadmap that charts a clear and determined course to an online society and a knowledge-based economy. fastforward provides farreaching strategies for the development of a connected country that will adapt, flourish and prosper in the new global information society.”

The United Nations, on the other hand, leads the way in setting this global agenda, arguably for the good of humanity.  According to the Declaration of Principles agreed to by member states at the World Summit on the Information Society “We, the representatives of the peoples of the world … declare our common desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable development and improving their quality of life, premised on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respecting fully and upholding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

Thus far, there has been limited public discussion on Government’s vision to create a knowledge-based society, with greater emphasis placed on the obvious benefits to be derived from information communication technology, for example, greater access to information, ecommerce, distance learning, e governance to name a few.  Only token consideration has been given to the social implications and lifestyle changes to be made if citizens are to benefit from greater access to information.

Furthermore, if Trinidad & Tobago risk becoming marginalized in the global marketplace as Government proposes, then citizens too may risk being marginalized within the national economy if preemptive measures are not taken which allows individuals to reassess their personal development objectives in preparation for this new world order. Advances in technology have transformed the global landscape and have significantly altered Caribbean societies. Despite our slow development by contrast to other nations, major lifestyle changes are evident.  They include new modes of communication, via emails, instant messaging, cell phones, mobile wireless media, the way children play [video and computer games], innovative educational tools and methods for study and research [greater access to information, online databases, distance learning, online tutorials], the way people make friends and form associations [social networking, online dating], the way we transact business [e-commerce, online banking, online ticket booking].  However, there are prerequisites for participation namely basic literacy, computer skills and Internet access.   It is therefore important for citizens to fully appreciate where the country is going if they are to make responsible choices about their future.  Because the arguments presented at prima facie may appear speculative and not factual, every effort will be made to substantiate claims when necessary.

The study is a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of government’s determination to transform this country from an “old media” society to a “new media” society, which focuses primarily on the related social issues some of which are already manifest.

The research data comprise UN reports and other related material produced by regional and local bodies, the Guardian online archives, The Internet: An Ethnographic Approach and Breaking the News, the only two substantive contributions on the media in Trinidad & Tobago.  In addition, references may be made to books previously read on the subjects, mass communication, media and global journalism.

For the full text of this research paper visit the Caribbean Business Professionals Communicating - Ning Community.